While football is the main trade of players in the Premier League, plenty have taken their hand to golf as a sport to enjoy on the side.
Tottenham and Real Madrid icon Gareth Bale was famous for his time spent on the course, while Arsenal’s very own Declan Rice has shown a love for golf.
For many, it’s time to destress from the pressure of the Premier League and the Champions League, taking to the green for a few hours.
Bukayo Saka, on the other hand, isn’t someone who has too much experience in playing the sport, but he did manage to play some golf while away with England before Euro 2024.
The winger managed to leave his teammates stunned, all thanks to one golfing legend.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesIan Poulter helped Bukayo Saka shock England squad with golf ability
As the England squad met up in Germany for the 2024 European Championships, there was some time for team-building exercises.
One of those put on by then-coach Gareth Southgate was an afternoon playing golf, which involved a tournament and some lessons from legendary player Ian Poulter.
Poulter has often been a contender for many of the sport’s biggest prizes, winning a few in his time, though he may be best known for competing in the team-based events – such as the Ryder Cup.
Saka got lessons from the star, helping him learn the technique before hitting a shot onto the green.
After impressing himself and Poulter, the Arsenal star said: “Oh my goodness. Best shot of my life. Wow… It’s one lesson. Not even a lesson, two minutes!”
Saka then stood up to take a shot in front of the whole squad, hitting it sweetly before the whole team cheered.
In unfortunate circumstances, the winger had everyone laughing as he failed to spot a bag on the floor, subsequently tripping over it.
It may have taken the shine off an otherwise impressive moment for Saka, who had certainly shown some promise in his first try at the sport.
Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty ImagesWhat Declan Rice once said about playing golf
While Saka was something of a newbie to golfing, his teammate Rice is no stranger to the sport.
The midfielder has often been spotted out on the golf course, taking his mind off of the football with something else.
As per the Daily Mail in 2013, Rice said on playing golf: “You can take your mind off pretty much anything when you’re having a round of golf.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
“It’s refreshing, I love those early mornings in the summer, walking around with dad or some of my mates, coffee on the go.
“I’ve had lessons before and I hope to be a half-decent player by the time I retire and get into those golf days.”
