The connection between NHL players and golf has been a long-standing tradition, with many players using the sport as a way to unwind and stay competitive during the off-season. Golf offers a low-impact sporting escape from the high-pressure environment of professional hockey, allowing players to enjoy a social atmosphere with teammates and friends. The appeal of golf to hockey players is so significant that the NHL has incorporated the sport into its All-Star Skills Competition with the Chipotle NHL Pitch 'n' Puck event, where players combine their hockey and golf skills.
Many NHL players are avid golfers, some even achieving impressive handicaps. Hall of Fame members like Bobby Orr, Joe Sakic, Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, and Grant Fuhr are known for their skills on the golf course. Grant Fuhr, in particular, is an accomplished golfer, having nearly qualified for the Canadian PGA tour in 2004 and currently serving as the Director of Golf at Desert Dunes in Palm Springs. Other notable NHL golfers include Joe Pavelski, who has been recognized by his peers as one of the best golfers in the league. In July 2024, Pavelski, along with T.J. Oshie, John Carlson, and Matthew Tkachuk, participated in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. Mike Modano (1998) and Jeremy Roenick (2000, 2002) are the only hockey players to have won the American Century Championship.
The reasons behind hockey players' affinity for golf are varied. Golf provides a low-risk sporting activity that allows them to remain active without the high probability of injury associated with hockey. Additionally, the social aspect of golf, often played at exclusive clubs, offers a relaxing environment away from the demands of professional hockey.
Some NHL players have achieved remarkable success in golf. Mario Lemieux won the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in 1998. Brett Hull, known for his plus-0.4 handicap, even participated in a U.S. Open qualifying tournament. Dan Quinn, who played 14 seasons in the NHL, has won the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship five times.
The blend of camaraderie, competition, and relaxation makes golf a natural fit for NHL players. It's a sport where they can maintain their competitive edge, enjoy the outdoors, and bond with teammates away from the rink.