Golf is one of the most widely played sports in the world. It can be played by people of all ages, races and backgrounds. It can be played on short courses and long courses, by the novice and by the professional; and on the country clubs and the municipal courses. AS compared to soccer, baseball and especially football, golf is a non-contact sport. It is a game of traditional, grace and most of etiquette. It is rather fitting that many professional golfers have gone into the wine game.

Golfers are now finding themselves as winemakers. Over the past couple of decades, professional golfers on all tours have started their own wine labels and even opened their own vineyards. It goes back to Gary Player, the multiple major winner from South Africa. He played in an era where Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino dominated the game. Well known for his commitment to competing worldwide, little was known for his affinity for winemaking. For decades, Player cultivated and produced wine in his native home of South Africa and to this day, his brand has become one of his most lucrative ventures.

Other golfers have created their own wine labels:

Greg Norman: Also known as the “Shark”. Well known for his passion for cars and speed boats, Norman owns vineyards in his native Australia and in California. His first vintage years came in the mid 1990’s, about the same time he was number player in the world.

Luke Donald: The mild-mannered, piano-playing former number player in the world, the English-born Donald recently came out with his own label in 2008. The wines are produced in the Napa Valley and the red wine blends were envisioned by Donald.

Ernie Els: Also from South Africa, Ernie Els has the distinction of being an award winning winemaker. Also known as the “Big Easy”, Els’s vineyards are based in South Africa and they several Bordeaux varieties along with other white blends. And yes, his wines are just as smooth as his swing.

Cristie Kerr: The ladies’ tour is represented well with the former US Open champion, Cristie Kerr. Her limited edition “Curvature” is also produced in Napa Valley with all proceeds going to breast cancer charities.

Arnold Palmer: The “King” of golf has put his name to plenty of golf brands and television commercials through the years. His understated wine labels are intended for high-end restaurants and golf resort. No word if there is blend consisting of iced tea and lemonade.

Athletes and winemaking is a trend that will continue on in the future. It is quite refreshing to see many players being hands-on and contributing more than their names to wines. Perhaps there will be a major championship for golf wines in the future. One thing is sure, golfers have a passion for winemaking and intend to make a name for themselves in the vineyards as well as the fairways.

This content was created by AI