The world’s best golfers, like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, may dominate the fairways and greens at the biggest majors, but golf is a game that is enjoyed by everyone – even celebrities! What better way for a celebrity to escape the attention of adoring fans and paparazzi than spending time on the course working on their handicap and swinging their favourite golf clubs?
Here is a list from Function18 of celebrities who you might not know play the game.
1. Niall Horan
The One Direction singer is used to being on tour – although with his band mates rather than the PGA. Niall began playing golf as a youngster after being inspired by Tiger Woods. The 23-year-old has caddied for Rory McIlroy and is an accomplished player himself with a handicap of 12.
2 and 3. Ant and Dec
You never see these two television celebrities apart, and it’s no different when they are on the golf course. The hosts of I’m A Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here and Britain’s Got Talent are often photographed playing together. The pair regularly play in celebrity Pro-Am tournaments with some of the world’s leading professionals.
4. Denise Van Outen
Better known for treading the boards in the West End and Broadway, Denise Van Outen is also a very keen golfer. The former host of The Big Breakfast says it was her girlfriends who inspired her to buy clubs and learn the game. Denise has recently been pictured playing golf with former Liverpool FC manager Brendan Rodgers in Dubai.
5. Anton du Beke – Strictly Come Dancing
He’s the king of swing on the ballroom and off the tee! Anton du Beke has entertained millions of television viewers as a professional dancer on the hit show Strictly Come Dancing. However, he readily admits he’s as much at home on the fairway as he is on the dance floor. The legendary entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth is a regular playing partner.
6. Justin Timberlake
With a handicap of six, Justin Timberlake doesn’t just enjoy golf – he’s lovin’ it! A global mega-star of pop and cinema, Justin uses his time playing golf to escape the hectic lifestyle that comes with being famous. The former lead singer of boy band NSYNC started playing golf at the age of 12 and purchased a golf course with his stepdad in 2007. He’s also bringing sexy back to golf after being appointed creative director of Callaway golf in 2011.
7. Harry Styles – One Direction
Just like bandmate Niall Horan, Harry Styles also enjoys a spot of golf. The One Direction singer is a hit with the ladies, dating Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner, and is also a hit on the course with a handicap of 15. The 22-year-old is always in the headlines, and it’s no different when he’s playing golf, with column inches dominated by what the star wears and how his hair is styled when out on the course. Harry can usually be seen playing golf in LA, and he’s also known to enjoy a round or two with fellow 1D golfer Niall.
