SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – An unlikely friendship has begun to develop between two of the world’s most prominent athletes: professional golfer Jon Rahm and NBA superstar LeBron James. The pair recently connected for a round of golf in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Rahm is based, ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Phoenix Suns. The connection highlights the growing crossover appeal of golf among elite athletes and offers a glimpse into the off-court interests of one of basketball’s biggest names.
Rahm, currently competing on the LIV Golf circuit, explained how the meeting came about. “We have a friend in common who lives in Scottsdale. I’ve known him for a long time. He’s a naturopath, Sunil Jain, and has a relationship with both of us, and I believe he works with LeBron a bit,” Rahm said in the lead-up to the LIV Singapore tournament, as reported by multiple sources. “He asked if there was a possibility of us playing together. So, I arranged my schedule to be available on Wednesday afternoon.”
The timing proved fortuitous, as James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was in town with the Lakers to face the Suns. Rahm’s hospitality extended beyond simply securing a tee time; he actively facilitated the meeting. “He just started playing, so he’s very new to golf, and somebody that sizeable, golf clubs are not meant for a six-foot-nine giant who’s as strong as he is,” Rahm noted, acknowledging the physical challenges James faces adapting to the sport.
Despite being mid-season, James made time for the round, and Rahm was struck by the NBA star’s enthusiasm. “It was a lot of fun. It was incredible to see an athlete of his stature, not physically, I imply, in general, be as giggly as he was, just enjoying being out there, playing golf, and having fun,” Rahm shared. The pair managed to complete 13 holes at the Silverleaf Club before fading light brought their round to a close. Rahm anticipates James will make significant progress in his golf game during the offseason, when he has more time to dedicate to practice.
Rahm, who recently celebrated a victory at the LIV Hong Kong event, received congratulations from James following his win, further solidifying their budding connection. The Spaniard similarly noted his own enjoyment of attending NBA games with his partner, Kelley Cahill, suggesting a reciprocal appreciation between the two athletes. This mutual respect for each other’s sports adds another layer to their newfound friendship.
The challenge of adapting to golf for an athlete of James’ size was a key observation for Rahm. “There’s going to be a learning curve, especially since he’s in season, and he can’t play as much. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him accept some really large strides in the offseason because he has a couple of months to work on his game,” Rahm explained. He pointed out the inherent difficulty in finding golf equipment suitable for someone of James’ height and strength, noting that standard clubs aren’t designed for a player of his build.
James’ foray into golf is part of a broader trend of athletes from other sports embracing the game. Stephen Curry, another NBA star, has become a proficient golfer, even competing in professional tournaments and earning a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Former NBA players Pau Gasol, Sergio Rodríguez, and Rudy Fernández also enjoy playing golf, demonstrating its increasing popularity among basketball professionals. Rudy Fernández, in particular, attended the Masters Tournament recently, showcasing the growing interest within the basketball community.
Rahm’s comments offer a unique perspective on observing a fellow elite athlete navigate the complexities of golf. “Ver a jugadores de muy alto nivel jugar al golf, cuando normalmente somos nosotros los que les vemos jugar al baloncesto, verle hacer lo que ha hecho durante veinte años, fue especial,” Rahm said, as translated from Spanish. (Seeing high-level athletes play golf, when normally we are the ones watching them play basketball, seeing him do what he has been doing for twenty years, was special.)
The connection between Rahm and James extends beyond a casual round of golf. It represents a shared appreciation for athletic excellence and a willingness to explore new challenges. As Rahm prepares for the LIV Singapore tournament, and James continues his pursuit of another NBA championship, their friendship offers a compelling narrative of sportsmanship and mutual respect.
Jon Rahm will continue his LIV Golf season in Singapore this week, while LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will return to action on Friday, March 13th, against the Indiana Pacers. Fans can follow Rahm’s progress on the LIV Golf website ([https://www.livgolf.com/](https://www.livgolf.com/)) and James’ journey with the Lakers on the NBA’s official website ([https://www.nba.com/](https://www.nba.com/)).
