Gareth Bale 'potential' golf handicap revealed by Rory Mcllroy as four-time major champion insists Real Madrid legend is still 'learning' key part of the game

Since leaving Real Madrid in 2022 and retiring at the start of last year, Bale has spent the lion's share of his time on the golf course. The former Wales captain is a decent amateur player, but former world number one Mcllroy believes the 34-year-old can hit a handicap of zero with a few more years' experience.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast hosted by Sky Bet, Mcllroy said: "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."

Bale's love of golf has never been a secret, and is arguably something that contributed to the deterioration of his relationship with Real Madrid supporters. The Welshman has stayed true to himself though, and since retiring has participated in several events, including the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Pro-Am, the BMW PGA Celebrity Pro-Am and the Ryder Cup All-Star event, which he won against Tennis star Novak Djokovic.

However, in September, Bale admitted that he lacks the consistency of the professionals. He said: "I can easily hit a couple of good shots and think I’m better than I am, and then come crumbling back down to earth, and then I have to grind again."

With his footballing career in the books, golf is now Bale's sporting priority. It remains to be seen which events and competitions he takes part in in 2024 as he looks to lower his handicap to zero.