After 16 NBA seasons with the Nuggets, Knicks, Cavaliers, and Lakers, J.R. Smith retired from basketball at 36 and joined the North Carolina A&T golf team. Here is how his second athletic career has played out.
Key Takeaways
- Former NBA star J.R. Smith, 36, holds a 4-handicap, playing college golf at North Carolina A&T
- Smith's basketball background has benefited his golf skills and understanding of the game
- Earning North Carolina A&T Academic Athlete of the Year, Smith inspires athletes transitioning to different sports
J.R. Smith's Golf Skills and Handicap
Smith carries a 4-handicap. For context, that puts him well above the average recreational golfer and into competitive amateur territory.
His basketball background helped. In a GOLF.com interview, Smith said his shooting touch and ability to repeat motions translated directly to the golf swing. Off-balance shots in basketball also trained him to adjust to uneven lies and course conditions.
Smith pointed out that both sports demand a wide variety of shots. He added that many athletes are drawn to golf because perfection is always out of reach, and that challenge keeps them hooked.
Smith's golf achievements and highlights
Smith made his collegiate golf debut at the Phoenix Invitational, shooting rounds of 83 and 78 (12 and 7 over par) during the event's first day. This performance showcased his potential as a competitive golfer, despite being relatively new to the sport at the collegiate level.
Smith's dedication to academics and athletics earned him the North Carolina A&T Academic Athlete of the Year award, with an impressive 4.0 GPA. This accomplishment speaks to his hard work and determination to pursue excellence on and off the golf course.
While still early in his golf career, Smith has not achieved any other significant placements or notable tournament scores. However, his progress thus far suggests a promising future in the sport.
Support from peers, former teammates
Smith's achievements have not gone unnoticed by his peers and former teammates. NBA superstar LeBron James congratulated Smith on his Academic Athlete of the Year award, tweeting, "YESSIR @TheRealJRSmith!! Proud of you Kid!!! Love bro."
Other sports figures and former teammates have publicly backed his move. The support underscores how respected his commitment to school and golf has been across the sports world.
Challenges faced and overcome
Going from the NBA to college golf meant learning a new sport while adjusting to collegiate athletics. Smith put in the work on the range and the practice green to get competitive.
On top of golf, he had to manage a full course load. Smith has been open about the stress of homework and exams after years away from a classroom. The results speak for themselves: a 4.0 GPA and the North Carolina A&T Academic Athlete of the Year award.
Impact on other athletes
Smith's path shows that pro athletes can start over in a completely different sport and still compete. It also proves that going back to school after a long career is doable.
He is not the only one. Tony Romo played in PGA Tour events after retiring from the NFL. As more high-profile athletes follow this route, the stigma around late career pivots keeps fading.
J.R.'s Journey
Smith traded NBA arenas for college fairways and backed it up with a 4-handicap and a 4.0 GPA. Whether or not he ever plays professional golf, the second act is already a success.