When the NFL season winds down, many players turn to golf as a way to maintain their competitive edge during the offseason. It’s the perfect sport for the football elite: low risk of injury, plenty of time outdoors, and a chance to sharpen focus without the intense pressure of a full-contact game.

Among those who’ve embraced golf as their offseason ritual is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose passion for the game has grown far beyond the casual pastime it once was.

A Family Tradition

Mahomes’ relationship with golf dates back to his childhood, where his father, former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes, introduced him to the sport. Golf wasn’t just a game for the young quarterback — it was a way to bond with his dad when time allowed.

As Mahomes grew, so did his love for the game, and it eventually became more than just a family activity; it became a passion in its own right.

“The game of golf has always been a great way for me to spend time with my dad and get away from the grind of football,” Mahomes once shared. “But now it’s more of a way for me to clear my mind and keep the competitive fire burning, even when I’m not on the field.”

Golf as a Mental Escape

In the high-pressure world of the NFL, where every game comes with the weight of an entire franchise’s hopes and dreams on a quarterback’s shoulders, it’s easy for the stress to pile up. Mahomes, however, has found golf to be a perfect mental escape during the offseason. Away from the stadium lights and the intensity of training camps, he finds a serene setting in the golf course, where he can focus on his game and leave the pressures of football behind — if only for a few hours.

“Golf is a perfect way to decompress. You’re out there, just you and the course, no one yelling in your ear,” Mahomes said. “It’s like a reset for me. It’s different from football, but it’s still competitive, and that helps me stay sharp mentally.”

From Rookie to Pro: A Golfer in His Own Right

Mahomes’ passion for golf has blossomed into legitimate skill. As of 2021, he had achieved an impressive 7.7 handicap, which reflects a high level of consistency and precision on the course. The quarterback has proven time and again that his athleticism isn’t limited to just football and baseball, but extends to golf as well.

Regularly seen on the course with other NFL stars, such as Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Chad Henne, Mahomes has become a well-known figure in the celebrity golf scene. But it was in 2022 when Mahomes truly made a splash in the golf world by teaming up with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen to face off against two of the NFL’s greatest legends — Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers — in “The Match.”

The televised event, which pitted the young guns of Mahomes and Allen against the seasoned veterans of Brady and Rodgers, was nothing short of electrifying. While the older quarterbacks ultimately took home the win, Mahomes had his moments of brilliance. At one point, he even made a birdie putt that regained the lead for his team, showcasing his skill and competitive spirit. Despite the defeat, Mahomes’ performance showed that he wasn’t just a rookie on the course — he was a formidable competitor.

A New Passion, A New Challenge

For Mahomes, golf isn’t just about improving his swing; it’s about finding new challenges, both mentally and physically. While football is a team sport, golf provides him with a unique opportunity to focus on his individual performance, offering a new avenue for growth and self-improvement. “It’s a different kind of challenge, but that’s what I love about it. You can’t hide in golf — you’ve got to own every shot,” Mahomes said.

While it may have started as a way to connect with his father, golf has become much more than that for Patrick Mahomes. It’s a way for him to clear his head, sharpen his competitive instincts, and stay active during the NFL offseason. With his skill growing and his passion for the game stronger than ever, don’t be surprised if you see Mahomes teeing off with the best in the sport for years to come.

Whether he’s playing for fun, participating in charity events, or going head-to-head with the league’s elite, Mahomes continues to prove that his talents extend far beyond the football field. In fact, golf may just be the secret to keeping him ahead of the game — both on and off the field.