Sauce Gardner’s Summer Swing: From Football Fields to Fairways
When you think of elite athletes like Sauce Gardner, an NFL cornerback for the New York Jets, the imagery that springs to mind often includes game day heroics, glorious touchdowns, and last-minute tackles. However, Gardner is exploring a different kind of competition this summer— golf. Yes, you heard that right! The man known for shutting down some of football’s best wide receivers is finding the golf course a little less forgiving.
The Golfing Adventure Begins
Gardner dabbled in golf last year during a University of Cincinnati alumni outing and caught the bug. After picking up some clubs during the offseason, he discovered that swinging for birdies is a bit tougher than intercepting passes. “Every time I hear the word ‘golf,’ I don’t know,” Gardner chuckled during a chat after the Jets’ first training camp practice this year. This lighthearted admission goes to show that while sports may come naturally to some, the world of golf can present its own set of challenges.
His journey has been well-documented on social media, where videos of his practice swings and attempts to improve can be found. Most notably, he turned to YouTube tutorials for help. Even Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion, extended a friendly hand by offering to give Gardner a lesson. Imagine having one of the sport’s top athletes slide into your DMs to help with your swing; that would feel like a touchdown in itself!
The Hard Truth About Golf
In a bold tweet, Gardner claimed, “Never thought I would say this, but golf is harder than football.” For someone who has already hit the Pro Bowl in both of his NFL seasons, this assertion raised a few eyebrows. Was he just being dramatic after a day filled with more bogeys than birdies? A closer look reveals that he genuinely believes golf offers a more challenging learning curve. “If you had to start from the beginning not knowing how to play football and not knowing how to play golf, I feel like it’ll be harder for you to learn golf,” he offered, trying to clarify his point.
He compared the experience of hitting on simulators versus the real deal: “It’s one thing to be able to hit on a simulator and then going out there on an actual golf course.” This assessment resonates with anyone who has mastered a video game but struggles with the nuances of real-life sports. Heck, even the toughest football training couldn’t prepare him for getting spooked by a coyote on the course!
Aiming for Improvement
Despite facing some challenges, like struggling with his putting— “Horrible,” he admitted—Gardner did manage to break 90 before arriving at camp. That’s no small feat for a newbie! “That’s a good start,” he smiled, proving that even a taste of success can keep spirits high amid the struggles.
While hitting the fairways may not replace the thrill of NFL Sundays, Gardner discovered there is a certain mental fortitude that parallels both sports. “It’s got to be one of those things where it’s like, that play’s over with, just like with golf: That shot’s over with,” he reflects. Whether fending off a wide receiver or shaking off a poor swing, letting go and moving on is a skill admired in both arenas.
The Sweet Sound of Nature
One major difference he found? The serenity of the golf course. Gardner appreciates the quiet backdrop, stating: “You just hear nature and it’s quiet, you know? So it really helped me like slow my mental down.” How refreshing! In the often chaotic world of football, where adrenaline and pressure reign supreme, standing on a tee box, taking a deep breath, and appreciating nature may just be the mental reset he needs.
As Gardner comes back to football, you can’t help but root for him. Whether he’s on the turf or the green, his determination and willingness to learn will undoubtedly serve him well. Here’s hoping his golf swing gets as much love and attention as his famous tackling skills!
And who knows? Maybe this summer adventure will not only add to his skill set but also provide some light-hearted stories for the team locker room, creating moments filled with laughter and camaraderie. Now, that’s a win-win situation!
