When it comes to celebrity golf, Tony Romo and Michael Jordan sit at the top with near-scratch handicaps, while Charles Barkley owns the most famous (and formerly most painful) swing in Hollywood and sports history. Golf has become the go-to hobby for athletes, actors, and entertainers, and the skill levels vary wildly. Some celebrities could legitimately compete in professional qualifiers, while others are just out there for the laughs and the fresh air. The handicaps listed below are approximate figures based on public interviews, tournament results, and reported handicap indexes -- they fluctuate over time, and not every celebrity maintains an official GHIN number.
We also have a standalone deep-dive on Steph Curry's golf handicap and game, who carries a scratch handicap and is arguably the best celebrity golfer playing today.
Quick-Reference: Celebrity Golf Handicaps
| Celebrity | Approximate Handicap | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Barkley | ~10 | Infamous swing, big improvement |
| Bill Murray | ~15-18 | Caddyshack legend, on-course comedy |
| Michael Jordan | ~1.5 | Ultra-competitive, plays daily |
| Tony Romo | ~0.5 | Scratch player, PGA Tour events |
| Mark Wahlberg | ~7 | 4 AM tee times before film sets |
| Travis Kelce | ~12 | Growing passion for the game |
| Justin Timberlake | ~5 | Hosts PGA Tour event |
| Larry David | ~20+ | Famously struggles, comedic gold |
| Ray Allen | ~2 | One of the best NBA golfers ever |
| Derek Jeter | ~5 | Regular player in retirement |
| Aaron Rodgers | ~4 | Huge drives, competitive spirit |
| Tom Brady | ~8 | The Match charity events |
| Peyton Manning | ~6 | The Match charity events |
| Samuel L. Jackson | ~12 | Golf clause in movie contracts |
| Oscar De La Hoya | ~9 | Avid golfer, boxing champion |
1. Charles Barkley (~10 Handicap)
Charles Barkley's golf swing was, for years, the most talked-about motion in celebrity golf -- and not in a good way. The NBA Hall of Famer developed a hitch in his swing that caused a painful pause at the top of the backswing, turning every shot into a suspenseful event for anyone watching. The hitch became so famous that it spawned countless internet videos and earned Barkley a permanent spot in golf blooper reels. He was often considered the worst celebrity golfer in the American Century Championship field despite being one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
In recent years, Barkley has worked extensively with instructor Stan Utley and has made a dramatic transformation. The hitch is largely gone, and his handicap has dropped from the mid-20s to roughly 10. He has spoken publicly about how much work it took to rebuild his swing from the ground up and how frustrating the process was. The improvement has been visible in his tournament appearances, where he now looks like a competent mid-handicap player rather than a sideshow attraction.
Despite the years of struggle, Barkley never lost his love for the game. He remains a fixture at celebrity golf events and is always one of the most entertaining personalities in any field. His willingness to keep playing through years of public embarrassment -- and then actually fix his swing -- has earned him genuine respect from the golf world.
2. Bill Murray (~15-18 Handicap)
Bill Murray's connection to golf is inseparable from his legendary role as Carl Spackler in Caddyshack. That 1980 film cemented Murray's place in golf culture forever, and he has leaned into it ever since. Murray is a regular at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he is as much a draw as the professional golfers themselves. His antics on the course -- dancing with fans, wearing outrageous outfits, and cracking jokes mid-swing -- make him one of the most beloved figures in celebrity golf.
Murray's actual handicap sits somewhere around 15 to 18, depending on the year. He is not a polished player by any stretch, but he can get around a course respectably. He grew up caddying at a country club in the Chicago suburbs alongside his brothers, which is where he developed both his love of the game and the material that would eventually become Caddyshack. That real-world caddy experience gives Murray an authentic connection to golf that goes deeper than most celebrity hobbyists.
What makes Murray special on a golf course is not his swing but his energy. He turns every round into a performance, engaging with galleries in ways that most professional golfers never would. He has been known to take fans' clubs and hit shots for them, share drinks with spectators, and generally treat every round like an extended comedy set. His presence at Pebble Beach each year is one of the most anticipated events on the celebrity golf calendar.
3. Michael Jordan (~1.5 Handicap)
Michael Jordan is as competitive on the golf course as he ever was on the basketball court. His handicap has been reported at roughly 1.5, making him one of the best celebrity golfers in the world. Jordan plays almost every single day, sometimes 36 holes or more, and his dedication to the game in retirement is well documented. He has a private course at his home in Jupiter, Florida, and he is known to wager significant amounts on rounds with friends and fellow athletes.
Jordan's golf game reflects his athletic background: he generates tremendous clubhead speed and can hit the ball a long way. But what separates him from other celebrity golfers is his short game and course management, which come from playing thousands of rounds since retiring from basketball. Jordan has played with some of the best golfers in history, including Tiger Woods, and has spoken about how those rounds pushed him to improve. His competitive fire burns just as hot on the 18th green as it did in the fourth quarter.
The gambling stories from Jordan's rounds are the stuff of legend. He is known for pressing bets, needling opponents, and doing whatever it takes to win -- habits that are entirely consistent with his basketball persona. Jordan has also been spotted at various PGA Tour events, not as a spectator but as someone who genuinely studies the game and the players competing at the highest level. For a man who dominated one sport, golf provides the competitive outlet he clearly still needs.
4. Tony Romo (~0.5 Handicap)
Tony Romo is arguably the best golfer among current and former professional athletes in the major American sports leagues. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback carries a handicap near scratch -- roughly 0.5 -- and has actually competed in PGA Tour-sanctioned events. Romo has received sponsor exemptions to play in tournaments like the Corales Puntacana Championship, where he teed it up against touring professionals. While he missed the cut in those appearances, simply being competitive enough to receive an invitation speaks volumes about his ability.
Romo grew up playing golf in Wisconsin and was a standout junior player before focusing on football. Once his NFL career ended and he moved into broadcasting with CBS, golf became his primary athletic pursuit. He has won multiple American Century Championship titles at Lake Tahoe, dominating the celebrity field in a way that makes it clear he is operating on a different level than most of the other competitors. His swing is technically sound, and his course management reflects someone who truly understands the game at a deep level.
What makes Romo's golf game particularly impressive is his ability to perform under pressure. The same mental toughness that allowed him to quarterback an NFL team translates directly to competitive golf, where he has shown he can close out tournaments and make clutch putts when it matters. Romo has said publicly that if he had not played football, he would have pursued professional golf, and his skill level suggests that path was not as far-fetched as it might sound.
5. Mark Wahlberg (~7 Handicap)
Mark Wahlberg is famous for his extreme daily routine, and golf is a central part of it. The actor and producer regularly wakes up at 2:30 or 3:00 AM and is on the golf course by 4:00 AM, playing a full round before heading to a film set or business meeting. Wahlberg has spoken extensively about how golf helps him decompress and stay focused, and his commitment to early-morning rounds has become one of the most well-known quirks in Hollywood. His handicap sits around 7, which reflects the amount of time he devotes to the game.
Wahlberg built a golf simulator in his home and has been known to practice even when he cannot get to a course. He plays at some of the most exclusive clubs in Los Angeles and has been photographed on courses around the world while traveling for film shoots. His dedication to the game goes beyond casual interest -- Wahlberg treats golf like another form of fitness training, viewing it as essential to his daily routine rather than just a hobby.
Despite his intense schedule, Wahlberg makes time for celebrity golf events and has competed in various pro-am tournaments. He is well-liked by professional golfers who have played alongside him, and his genuine passion for the sport comes through in every interview where the subject comes up. For Wahlberg, golf is not just recreation -- it is a discipline built into the framework of his famously regimented life.
6. Travis Kelce (~12 Handicap)
Travis Kelce has become increasingly visible on the golf course in recent years, with his handicap estimated around 12. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has always enjoyed golf as an offseason activity, but his interest in the game has grown noticeably. Kelce has been seen at various celebrity golf events and has spoken about spending more time on the course during the NFL offseason, working on his game with the same competitive drive that makes him one of the best tight ends in football history.
Kelce's athleticism translates well to golf -- he can generate impressive distance off the tee, though consistency and short game refinement are areas where he is still developing. Like many football players who take up golf seriously, Kelce has the raw physical tools to be a very good player, and his handicap has been trending downward as he devotes more practice time to the sport. His brother Jason has also played golf recreationally, and the two have been spotted on the course together.
As one of the most high-profile athletes in the world, Kelce's growing interest in golf has brought additional attention to the sport among younger fans who might not otherwise follow it. His social media posts from the golf course generate significant engagement, and his presence at golf events draws a crowd. Whether Kelce will continue to improve and push his handicap into single digits remains to be seen, but his trajectory suggests the game has its hooks in him.
7. Justin Timberlake (~5 Handicap)
Justin Timberlake is one of the most committed golfers in the entertainment industry, carrying an approximate 5 handicap and hosting his own PGA Tour event. The Justin Timberlake Invitational, held in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, raises money for charitable causes and puts Timberlake at the center of the professional golf world each year. Hosting a tour event requires more than just lending your name -- Timberlake is deeply involved in the tournament operations and plays in the pro-am portion himself.
Timberlake's golf game is polished and repeatable. He has a smooth, athletic swing that benefits from natural coordination and years of dedicated practice. He has played rounds with some of the top professionals in the world and holds his own in pro-am settings, where many celebrities struggle to keep up with the pace of play and the pressure of performing in front of galleries. Timberlake treats his rounds seriously and is known as someone who genuinely cares about improving.
Beyond his personal game, Timberlake has invested in golf-related ventures and has used his platform to promote the sport. He is a regular at Pebble Beach and other high-profile pro-am events, where he balances entertainment value with legitimate competitive play. His 5 handicap places him in the upper tier of celebrity golfers, and his involvement in hosting a PGA Tour event gives him credibility that few entertainers can match.
8. Larry David (~20+ Handicap)
Larry David might be the most honest golfer in Hollywood. The Seinfeld co-creator and Curb Your Enthusiasm star carries a handicap north of 20 and makes absolutely no pretense about being good at the game. His struggles on the golf course have been mined for comedic material in multiple Curb Your Enthusiasm episodes, where Larry's on-course frustrations mirror the same social discomfort that drives the entire show. Golf, for Larry David, is an endless source of irritation -- and therefore an endless source of comedy.
David plays regularly at courses around Los Angeles and has been a member at exclusive clubs despite his modest skill level. His approach to golf mirrors his approach to life: he follows the rules obsessively, gets upset about slow play and etiquette violations, and finds conflict in situations that most people would let slide. Anyone who has watched Curb Your Enthusiasm can easily imagine Larry David arguing about a gimme putt or confronting someone for talking during his backswing.
What makes Larry David's golf career endearing is his persistence. He has been playing for decades and has not gotten appreciably better, yet he keeps showing up. In a world of celebrity golfers who brag about their handicaps and post highlight-reel shots on social media, David's willingness to be openly terrible at the game is refreshing. He represents the vast majority of recreational golfers who play not because they are good, but because the game has an inexplicable hold on them.
9. Ray Allen (~2 Handicap)
Ray Allen is widely considered one of the best golfers to ever play in the NBA. The Hall of Fame shooting guard carries an approximate 2 handicap, placing him in the same conversation as Michael Jordan and Steph Curry when it comes to celebrity golf talent. Allen's precision on the basketball court -- he is the NBA's former all-time leader in three-pointers made -- translates remarkably well to golf, where accuracy and consistency are paramount. His swing is smooth and technically sound, reflecting years of serious dedication to the game.
Allen has competed in numerous celebrity and amateur golf events, consistently finishing near the top of the leaderboard. He has played in the American Century Championship multiple times and has been a legitimate contender for the title. Unlike some celebrity golfers who treat tournaments as social events, Allen approaches competition with the same focus and preparation that defined his basketball career. He studies courses, practices diligently, and plays to win.
Since retiring from the NBA, Allen has devoted even more time to golf, and his handicap has reflected that commitment. He plays at top courses around the country and has built relationships within the professional golf community. Allen's combination of natural athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and competitive mentality makes him a genuinely formidable player in any amateur field. For anyone who watched him hit clutch three-pointers, his ability to hit precise golf shots under pressure comes as no surprise.
10. Derek Jeter (~5 Handicap)
Derek Jeter has settled into retirement as a dedicated golfer with an approximate 5 handicap. The former New York Yankees captain, who spent his entire career in the spotlight of the biggest media market in sports, has found golf to be the perfect post-career pursuit. Jeter plays regularly in the Tampa and Miami areas, where he has homes, and has been spotted at some of the most exclusive clubs in Florida. His approach to golf mirrors his approach to baseball: disciplined, consistent, and focused on fundamentals.
Jeter was always known as an athlete who prepared meticulously, and that trait carries over to his golf game. He works with instructors, practices regularly, and plays enough rounds to maintain a respectable handicap. While he does not seek out the spotlight on the golf course the way some celebrities do, Jeter occasionally appears in pro-am events and charity tournaments. His presence at these events reflects a genuine love of the game rather than a desire for attention.
The transition from professional baseball to recreational golf is common among retired MLB players, but Jeter has taken it more seriously than most. His 5 handicap puts him in strong territory for a non-professional, and his competitive background means he is never just going through the motions on the course. Jeter approaches every round with purpose, which is exactly what you would expect from someone who won five World Series titles.
11. Aaron Rodgers (~4 Handicap)
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best golfers among active and recently retired NFL quarterbacks, carrying an approximate 4 handicap. The former Green Bay Packers star is known for his prodigious length off the tee, which is not surprising given the arm strength that allowed him to throw a football 70 yards downfield. Rodgers generates tremendous clubhead speed and can reach par-5s in two with ease, giving him a significant advantage over many celebrity golfers who lack that kind of raw power.
Rodgers has competed in the American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe, where he has been a consistent contender in the upper half of the leaderboard. He takes the competition seriously and has been known to practice specifically for the event in the weeks leading up to it. Rodgers has also appeared in Capital One's The Match, where he partnered with Bryson DeChambeau in a made-for-TV event that showcased his golf skills alongside professional players. His comfort in that setting suggested a player who belongs on a golf course.
Golf has been a constant in Rodgers' life throughout his football career, serving as both a competitive outlet and a way to relax during the offseason. His 4 handicap reflects a player who does not just show up and hack it around -- Rodgers works on his game, understands course strategy, and competes with intent. As he moves into the later stages of his NFL career, golf seems likely to become an even bigger part of his life.
12. Tom Brady (~8 Handicap)
Tom Brady's golf handicap sits around 8, which is solid for someone who spent over two decades focused primarily on football. Brady became a prominent figure in celebrity golf through Capital One's The Match, a series of charity golf events that paired him with other star athletes and professional golfers. His first appearance in The Match alongside Peyton Manning, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson drew massive television ratings and introduced Brady's golf game to a national audience. The most memorable moment came when Brady holed out from the fairway for an unlikely birdie, producing one of the most-replayed shots in celebrity golf history.
Brady has always been athletic beyond football, and his golf game reflects solid fundamentals and a competitive edge. He has access to some of the best instructors and facilities in the world, and he has clearly put in work on his game. Since retiring from the NFL, Brady has been able to devote more time to golf, and his handicap may continue to improve. He plays at exclusive clubs in Florida and has been seen on courses with professional golfers and fellow celebrity players.
What makes Brady's golf career compelling is the same thing that made his football career compelling: he does not like to lose. Even in charity events with a relaxed atmosphere, Brady competes hard and clearly cares about the outcome. His willingness to participate in The Match and put his golf game on display in front of millions of viewers takes a certain confidence that most 8-handicap golfers would not have. Brady approaches golf the same way he approached everything else -- with intensity and a desire to get better.
13. Peyton Manning (~6 Handicap)
Peyton Manning carries an approximate 6 handicap and has been one of the most visible celebrity golfers since retiring from the NFL. Manning has appeared in multiple editions of Capital One's The Match, where his dry humor and competitive nature make him a natural fit for the made-for-TV format. His partnership and rivalry with Tom Brady has extended from the football field to the golf course, and their banter during The Match events has been one of the highlights of each broadcast.
Manning grew up in a football family, but golf has been a lifelong interest. He plays regularly at courses in the Denver and Memphis areas and has been a fixture at pro-am events around the country. Manning's golf game is steady and reliable -- he does not overpower courses with length, but he keeps the ball in play and avoids big numbers. His 6 handicap reflects a player who has put in the time to develop a well-rounded game, from driving accuracy to putting.
Since retirement, Manning has become increasingly involved in the golf world beyond just playing. His media appearances, commercial work, and charity event participation have kept him connected to the sport in a meaningful way. Manning's personality translates well to the golf course, where his combination of competitiveness and self-deprecating humor makes him a favorite among fans and fellow competitors. He and Brady have turned The Match into must-see television, bringing golf to audiences who might not otherwise tune in.
14. Samuel L. Jackson (~12 Handicap)
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most dedicated golfers in Hollywood, and he has famously included a golf clause in his movie contracts. The clause allows Jackson to play golf at least twice a week during filming, regardless of the production schedule. That level of commitment to the game is rare even among celebrities who love golf, and it speaks to how central the sport is to Jackson's daily life. His handicap sits around 12, which is respectable for someone whose primary career involves 14-hour days on film sets.
Jackson plays at courses all over the world, wherever his film career takes him. He has been spotted on courses in the UK, Europe, and across the United States, always making time for a round between takes. Jackson has competed in various celebrity golf tournaments and is a regular at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, where he plays alongside professionals on some of the most historic courses in the world. His love of the game is genuine and well-documented in interviews spanning decades.
What sets Jackson apart from other celebrity golfers is the sheer volume of rounds he plays. Thanks to his contract clause, Jackson gets in more rounds per year than most recreational golfers could dream of, and he plays in conditions and on courses that most people never experience. His 12 handicap, maintained while juggling one of the busiest acting careers in history, is a testament to both his dedication and the effectiveness of that now-famous contract provision.
15. Oscar De La Hoya (~9 Handicap)
Oscar De La Hoya, the former boxing world champion, carries an approximate 9 handicap and is one of the most passionate golfers in the combat sports world. De La Hoya took up golf after his boxing career and quickly became devoted to the game. His athletic background -- the hand speed, the footwork, the mental toughness required to fight at the highest level -- gave him a strong foundation for golf, and he has developed into a legitimate single-digit handicap player through consistent practice and play.
De La Hoya plays regularly at courses in the Los Angeles area and has competed in various celebrity golf events. His competitive nature, honed through years of professional boxing, means he takes every round seriously and is always looking to improve. De La Hoya has spoken in interviews about how golf provides the same kind of mental challenge that boxing did -- the need to stay focused, manage emotions, and execute under pressure. For a retired fighter, golf fills the competitive void that stepping away from the ring left behind.
While De La Hoya may not have the name recognition on the golf course that some NFL or NBA stars enjoy, his 9 handicap places him solidly in the middle of this celebrity list. His journey from world-class boxer to avid golfer is a story shared by many elite athletes who discover the game later in life and become consumed by it. Golf has a way of hooking competitive people, and De La Hoya is a textbook example of that phenomenon.