FORMER Manchester United and England winger Lee Sharpe has opened up about his life after football – which has seen him become a professional golfer.
The former footballer won the Premier League three times during his time at Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, making 228 appearances for the club and registering 28 goals and assists for the club.
Lee Sharpe won three Premier Leagues during his spell at United
Sharpe is now focused on a pro golf career
He would go on to appear for clubs including Sampdoria, Leeds and Bradford before retiring from the game following a spell at Northern Counties East Premier League side Garforth Town.
His playing career also included eight England caps between 1991 and 1993.
Away from the game, Sharpe achieved renewed fame when he made appearances on reality shows Celebrity Wrestling, Celebrity Love Island, Dancing on Ice and even picking up a minor role in Coronation Street.
But starting in 2021, Sharpe began competing in professional golf tournaments.
At the age of 51 he is now officially a professional golfer and seeking a spot on the European Senior Tour, which is now known as the Legends Tour.
Speaking to Golf Magic Sharpe said he’s had a love for the game since his playing days.
He said: “I had spells of playing lots of golf even when I played at both Manchester United and Leeds United.
“I actually played in a Mini Tour event with him somewhere in Manchester a while back.
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“I then went away and played in a couple of Mini Tour events as an amateur.
“I rang up to enter one tournament and they said there were no amateurs playing that week but if I paid a bit extra then I could turn pro.
“So I did that by accident really, just so I could play in the tournament and that was my amateur status gone in England.”
Sharpe earned eight England caps
Sharpe during the 2016 Pro-Am in China
The former England international is now based in Valencia and is seeking to turn pro in Spain as well.
Talking about his rapid rise to turning pro in his 50s, Sharpe said:
“I honestly fell in love with the game when I first started playing it during my football career.
“But with an obsessive nature I have with sport, I had to be as good as I could. My first handicap was 14 and then I turned pro in England just before the lockdown in 2019.
“But I’m now based out in Spain so am looking to turn pro out here, and my handicap is now 0.5.”
He added: “So it’s really just a case of trying to get as low as I can now.
“I’m going to play in a couple of tournaments next year in an attempt to turn pro in Spain.
“That’s the route we are going with a view to possibly making it on the European Senior Tour.
“If I can make that level of golf then it would be amazing. I’m going to give it a go anyway.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I improve my playing without practice?
Practicing is essential to improving your game. Even if your time and resources are limited, you can still improve. Simply remember that you must always work towards practicing what you intend to do. This means if you wish to play faster, then you should focus on playing fast. Likewise, if you desire to hit the shot further, then you should concentrate on striking the target far.
Is it possible to make money by playing golf
Absolutely! There are many ways to earn extra income as a professional golfer. You could offer lessons, sell merchandise, host tournaments, or even take part in celebrity events.
Are there any reasons to have a membership at a golf club?
You don’t need to join the golf club. But, you do have access to all the amenities at the course like the driving ranges, the putting greens, or the locker rooms.
What is the average game of golf?
An average golfer is able to shoot between 80-85 yards and their driver.
How can I make golf a good sport?
Golf is good for you. Golf is actually quite healthy. Studies show that golfers live longer lives than non-golfer. They are happier because they tend to have less stress.
How can I reduce my golf score by five strokes
The first thing you must do is to improve your swing mechanics. You probably know how to hold the club correctly, but if you don’t feel comfortable swinging the club properly, you won’t get the proper feedback from your body. Once you’ve mastered this step, you’ll want to focus on improving your strength and flexibility. Begin slow and work your way up to faster distances. As you get better scores, your game will become consistent.
Statistics
- Or that, on the greens, some 84% of putts over five feet also finish short of the hole? (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- If you have 14 attempts and convert as little as 50% of them into Pars – you can double bogey the remaining 4 holes and still shoot 87 for your round. (golfmadesimple.com)
- The blade aim at impact controls 92% of the ball’s start line, so prioritise face aim as a place to start (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- According to Shot Scope’s database of more than 30 million shots, 80% of missed greens are missed short. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- Stats reveal 96% of golfers play right-handed. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
External Links
collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu
blog.trackmangolf.com
nicklaus.com
amzn.to
How To
Five easy steps to improve your swing golf
Golf is the most well-known sport in the world. To become a skilled golfer, it takes a lot practice. The best way to improve your game is practicing. At least 2 hours should be spent playing golf each week. But, not everyone has the time. These five easy exercises will help improve your golf swing if this is you.
- Start from the ground up – Stand straight, keep your back straight, hold your club properly, bend your knees slightly and start swinging the club. Keep your head still and concentrate on your target. This helps you to get in position before you hit the ball.
- Maintain your balance – You need to stand straight, keep your feet apart, and make sure your weight is evenly distributed. Your weight should shift in the direction of the front leg as you hit onto the ball.
- Bend your knees. To bend your knees, place the hands of your hips on the floor. Then, take a deep breath and exhale while bending your knees. This will allow you to swing the club with your lower body.
- Relax your shoulders – Try to relax your shoulders so that they do not interfere with your swing. Instead, allow them to move as you swing the club. This will allow you generate power and speed while not having to apply too much force.
- Your target is what you should be focusing on – Instead of looking down at it, fix your sights on the ball. Keep your eyes straight ahead and concentrate on where you want the ball to go. Don’t look down at your ball. You will not be able see where you are going wrong.
