Why do so many cricket stars love to play golf?

What do top cricketers do to relax?

Many of them play golf. And some are actually really good at it. I can say for sure because I’ve played with some of them.

They can hit long and they can make those tricky chip and putts look damn easy. Just like several members of the England cricket squad, who were seen honing their golfing skills at Multan’s Rumanza golf club, designed by the legendary Sir Nick Faldo, ahead of the forthcoming three-Test series against Pakistan which began on Monday.

So, why do they love golf?

Ask South African legend AB de Villiers and he will tell you that its total addiction. Ask Brian Lara and he would also blame the “golf bug”.

Golf is certainly addictive. And it’s a great way to socialize while keeping yourself fit. That’s why it’s hardly surprising that most athletes, including cricketers, choose golf as their second sport or favorite pastime.

So how many top cricketers play golf?

It’s a long list but Nukta has selected 11 star cricketers, who love to golf.

Here’s the list:

Kapil Dev (India)

The Indian legend, who captained his team to a historic World Cup triumph in 1983, has also made his mark on the golf course post-retirement and even represented India at the Asia-Pacific Senior Championship.

Sachin Tendulkar (India)

The run-machine has been in the hunt of birdies and eagles since quitting cricket and is often found playing at various golf courses across India and abroad. He even owns a villa on a golf resort in Ahmedabad.

Legendary batters Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara pose for a photo.Instagram/sachintendulkar

Brian Lara (West Indies)

The legendary Lara played his first round back in 1994 and instantly caught the golf bug. He is a pretty good golfer who never wastes an opportunity to be on the golf course. Though a leftie, Lara plays golf right-handed. He is so hooked that he never leaves for a holiday without his golf clubs.

Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

The legendary left-armer loves playing golf and used to spend a lot of time at Karachi’s Defence Authority Country and Golf Club in the company of his golf-playing Australian wife, Shaniera, during the Covid-19 days. He hits it long but struggles with his short game.

Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis pose for a picture after enjoying Golf in Dubai.Instagram/wasimakramliveofficial

Waqar Younis (Pakistan)

The former Pakistan captain is also an avid golfer and like his former new-ball partner, Wasim, is a big-hitter but with a high handicap. Last year, Waqar was seen playing and winning at a golf contest at the Karachi Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in region (established in 1888).

Saleem Malik (Pakistan)

Perhaps the best golfer among former Pakistan cricketers, Saleem Malik is a regular at Lahore Gymkhana where very few can challenge him for a game of golf. The former Pakistan captain, who was one the premier batters in his heyday, has a great all-round golf game and is a low handicapper.

Aamir Sohail (Pakistan)

The left-hander was among the first Pakistani cricketers to take up golf and used to be a regular at the various golf courses in Lahore. An injury has kept him away from the course but the former captain has been keeping his golf clubs in perfect shape, ready to make a comeback soon.

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Pakistan cricketers Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam enjoy a day of golf in Dubai during the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE.PCB

Like many of his other team-mates, Babar Azam was introduced to golf apparently by the Professor (Mohammad Hafeez). Babar tries to be a regular and is on his way to becoming a good, solid golfer.

Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

The power-hitter play golf like he plays cricket. He is good at the game especially when it comes to hitting the driver and even won a long-drive contest at the World corporate golf challenge.

Kevin Pietersen (England)

An avid golfer, the former England cricketer lives close to the Berkshire course with his wife Jess Taylor and likes to spend his free time hitting the greens.

AB de Villiers (South Africa)

A top-notch golfer, AB de Villiers is a terrific golfer. He once said in an interview: “I have been addicted to the game ever since I remember. I became good at it at a young age. I recall watching The Masters growing up and from the age of three I have not missed a major”.