Could golf be the answer to helping a striker’s game in the Premier League?

It is well documented that some of the biggest footballers, past and present, enjoy having a round of golf. The likes of Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Alan Shearer and Harry Kane are regulars on a golf course.
One of the big similarities between golf and football is the aim of both is to put the ball into a hole/net. This means there could be a strong link between success on the football pitch and playing golf.
Marcus Rashford is considered to be one of the brightest young English players in the sport, however, at times this season, his finishing has let him down a little, so could golf be the answer for the United star?
United are currently flying high in the Premier League and are second favourites at UEFA Europa League odds of 7.8 to win the European competition this season. With an improvement in his goalscoring strike rate, Rashford could help United end the campaign with more than one trophy.
The United striker is also an important player for England ahead of the European Championship next summer. Gareth Southgate’s men are amongst the contenders for the trophy as they aim to go at least one place better than their finish in the World Cup in 2018. If Rashford improves his goals per shot ratio by then, it will take the pressure off captain Kane to deliver the goals for his country.
Mentality Needed In Golf and Football
Handling pressure is often where the best sports stars separate themselves from many of their fellow competitors. Those who handle it better and even produce a high level of skill under those conditions, tend to reach the top in their sport.
Golf is a sport where there is an incredible amount of pressure on a lot of shots. A five-foot putt can be the difference between a successful round or not. Football is also the same as one goal can change the complex of a game and the result. This is why the best goalscorers tend to get paid the big money.
Golfers on the greens probably go through a similar thought process to what a striker would do before a penalty or a strike of the ball. They have to consider the line and distance from the target. The more putts which go in, the better the confidence of the player. There is also a great deal of skill needed in both sports to execute the shots correctly.
Unless you have a caddie to discuss your tactics with, in golf you are alone with your thoughts. This is why it is a great sport to help work on your mental strength. A bad shot has to be soon forgotten about otherwise the damage can continue deep into the round.
It would be no surprise if we see more strikers on the golf course in the future as they look for that edge on the pitch over their rivals.
Latest
-
PGA Championship
Tiger Woods will expect to do better at US PGA Championship – Curtis Strange
Woods returned to top-level action after a long injury absence with a 47th-placed finished at the Masters.
-
PGA Championship
Defending champion Phil Mickelson withdraws from US PGA Championship
The six-time major winner has been taking a break from golf.
-
PGA Tour
English rookie David Skinns shares lead in Texas
The 40-year-old from Lincoln shot a second-round 63 in the AT&T Byron Nelson.
-
PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth looking for career grand slam at US PGA Championship
The presence or absence of defending champion Phil Mickelson which will dominate the conversation at Southern Hills.
-
PGA Championship
5 contenders to win the US PGA Championship
Tiger Woods could contend for victory in Tulsa.
-
News
We’ve got your back – Greg Norman promises to defend players on breakaway tour
Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are among the professionals to have asked for the required release to play the first event at Centurion Club.
-
Ryder Cup
Thomas Bjorn named as Henrik Stenson’s first vice-captain for 2023 Ryder Cup
Stenson was one of Bjorn’s 12 players when he led Europe to 2018 glory in Paris.
-
PGA Tour
Greg Norman criticises PGA Tour after LIV Golf Invitational Series block
Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood are among the players known to have asked for the required release.
-
News
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson confirmed for US PGA Championship
Woods last appeared at the Masters while Mickelson has not played since February.
-
European Tour
Thorbjorn Olesen savours ‘special’ British Masters win after ‘some tough years’
The Dane was at a loss for words after securing his first win since 2018.