Yankee icon Derek Jeter seems to have found a new way to spend some of that free time that retirement has given him. He joined professional golfer Tiger Woods for a round of nine holes at the Albany Golf and Beach Resort in the Bahamas earlier this week. The five-time World Series champion who refused to play golf during his baseball career, seemingly can’t get enough of it recently.
“Now that he’s out of baseball, he’s addicted to playing golf. From what I had first heard from some of the guys I know who have played with him, he slashed it around. But now he’s focused. He likes to practice,” Woods said.
The two were joined on the course by former Yankee Tino Martinez, and Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose. The abbreviated nine-hole round was intended to be practice for Tiger Woods, who is set to make his return to competitive golf after a 15 month hiatus. Having both won Rookie of the Year in their respective sports in 1996, Jeets and Woods have managed to maintain their friendship over the years.
“We all came in together. We all followed each other, watched each other,” Woods said. “We all were in the prime of our careers, doing stuff, winning championships, winning majors. When I was having my run, he [Jeter] was having his run,” Woods stated regarding being a rookie during the same year as Jeter and former NBA star Kobe Bryant.
Although no scores were disclosed, Tiger spoke highly of Jeter’s golf game, impressed by Jeter’s 10 handicap after only two years of playing. Of course, after years of Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers, it is no surprise to Yankee fans that Jeter has the athleticism to show such competence at another sport without much experience. That being said, it is very likely that the 14 time all star has had to make some adjustments to that famous “inside-out” swing of his for his new hobby. If there are any concerns about the former shortstop enjoying his retirement, Yankees fans can rest easy.
“This is a blast,” Jeter said. “You’re playing with Tiger Woods. Doesn’t get any better than that.”
