Rory McIlroy on the footballer who is good enough to be a scratch golfer

"The way he hits the ball he could be a scratch player."

Rory McIlroy has played alongside one former footballer who he believes could be good enough to be a scratch golfer if he works on a certain aspect of his game. McIlroy is a massive football fan, supporting Man United his entire life, and he has discovered that a lot of footballers are fans of his as well, with golf often being their hobby of choice. Big names in the sport like Michael Owen, Kenny Dalgliesh, and Wayne Rooney have all been known to be keen golfers, and in various charity events, the four-time major champion has had the opportunity to play alongside some of these stars.

Rory McIlroy on the footballer who is good enough to be a scratch golfer.

One player in particular, Gareth Bale, is almost famous for his love of the sport, particularly after his fallout with Real Madrid when the Welshman was seen on the course after being excluded from the team. The Welsh team unfurled a banner when they qualified for the 2022 World Cup that read "Wales, golf, and Real Madrid, in that order" much to the bemusement of those at the Bernabeu. However, his time on the green is clearly paying off, and as McIlroy explains on the latest episode of Stick to Football, the former Spurs star could get to scratch.

"I’ve played with Teddy Sheringham – good player. Gareth Bale – he has the potential to get to scratch (a handicap of zero), the way he hits the ball he could be a scratch player, but he’s only played for the last few years.

"There is a difference between being able to hit the golf ball well and getting yourself around the golf course and managing your game – that’s the part he’s [Gareth Bale] learning now." Related links:

• Rory McIlroy explains how Shane Lowry speech led to him 'losing it' in Ryder Cup car-park bust-up
• Rory McIlroy puts it to sheepish Roy Keane over infamous snub
• Ryan Reynolds makes incredible offer to Gareth Bale to join Wrexham for one season