Roger Federer Talks About His Golf Game: “I just want to get to a 12 handicap”

After two decades of dominating the tennis world, Roger Federer has found a new passion that is slowly becoming more than just a leisurely pursuit. Retiring from tennis in 2022 due to persistent knee issues, the Swiss maestro has turned his attention to the golf course—a sport that has intrigued him since early in his career but never truly captured his interest until now.

“I’ve played a little bit when I was coming on tour,” Federer shared, reflecting on his early brushes with golf.

But it wasn’t until recently, with all four of his children and his wife, Mirka, taking up the sport, that he decided to give it another shot.

Federer’s love for the game has been growing steadily, and despite being a newcomer, his swing has already garnered praise from seasoned golfers. “Smooth as your backhand,” Luke Donald, captain of Team Europe at the 2023 Ryder Cup, commented on one of Federer’s social media posts showcasing his swing.

The video, posted two months ago, quickly went viral, drawing attention from fans and professional athletes alike. With his characteristic humility, Federer brushed off the compliments, but his focus is clear—he’s determined to improve, aiming to reach a 12 handicap as quickly as possible.

👌 “Aspiro a llegar ser handicap doce lo antes posible”

🔝 Roger Federer y su relación con el golf pic.twitter.com/By5r99JaS7

— Ten-Golf (@Tengolf) August 20, 2024

Roger Federer’s Transition to Golf: A New Chapter Begins

“I just want to get to a 12 handicap as quick as possible,” Roger Federer stated during a recent press event promoting his new signature Wilson tennis rackets.

While taking up golf in retirement is a common choice, for Roger Federer, it represents a new challenge that requires a different kind of dedication and patience.

“I just want to be good enough so I don’t have to collect all the balls in the bushes,” he added with a chuckle, highlighting the frustrations of being a novice in a sport that demands precision and control.

Roger Federer’s approach to golf mirrors the meticulousness that defined his tennis career.

“If I compare it to tennis, it’s like focusing on perfecting your serve,” he explained. “You analyze it, you try to make it flawless. That’s what I’m trying to do with my swing.”

His drive to improve has not gone unnoticed. Fellow athletes like Carlos Alcaraz and Nelly Korda have expressed their admiration, with Korda even offering to coach him. The encouragement from the golf community is a testament to Federer’s natural athleticism and the respect he commands across different sports.

Though Roger Federer is quick to downplay his abilities, many golf enthusiasts believe that a 12 handicap might be too modest a goal.

“With his good swing, he could easily manage to get to a 5 handicap,” one fan commented on Instagram.

The idea that Roger Federer might be setting the bar too low is echoed by others who have watched his progression. But Federer remains grounded:

“We’ll see how good I become,” he said, acknowledging the challenge ahead but remaining optimistic about his potential.

Golf fans have rallied behind Federer, offering tips, support, and encouragement as he navigates the complexities of his new hobby. The tennis legend’s humble approach to learning the game has endeared him to a new audience, one that appreciates both his past achievements and his willingness to start fresh.

The excitement surrounding his journey into golf isn’t just about his swing—it’s about the possibility of seeing one of the greatest athletes of all time excel in yet another sport.

Despite the challenges that come with learning a new sport, Roger Federer’s determination remains unwavering. “I just want to be good enough,” he reiterated, focusing on his goal of closing the handicap. Whether he reaches a 12 or surpasses it, Federer’s journey in golf is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence—a quality that has defined his entire career.

For now, Roger Federer is content with enjoying the game alongside his family, but the competitive spirit that drove him to 20 Grand Slam titles is never far behind. As he continues to balance family life, endorsements, and his new hobby, one thing is certain: Federer’s love for the game of golf is only just beginning.