Michael Jordan was one of the fiercest competitors in the history of professional sports. The Chicago Bulls legend became a global figure during his time in the NBA, largely due to his ability to lead his team to victory and his never-say-die attitude.
Since retiring, Jordan has become a popular figure on the golf circuit, traveling the world to watch some of the best golfers compete. In 2021, he was interviewed by Stephen Curry at the Ryder Cup.
The two superstars discuss their love for golf and how it is one of the most difficult sports to play because you are constantly competing against yourself. Curry also asked Jordan about his thoughts on failure and how he learns from those experiences.
“I hate losing,” Jordan said. “It’s not even a question. But I respect losing because losing is part of winning. You never just win. You have to lose to win.”
Jordan continued.
“You have to have a sense of pride in yourself. It’s not about money. It’s not about anything. It’s more about pride. The best player, no matter who is playing, the best is going to win.”
Both Jordan and Curry have proven themselves competitive during their NBA careers.
Curry followed in the footsteps of Michael Jordan and became a prominent figure in the game of golf. He recently scored a hole-in-one at Pebble Beach on September 29.
Scottie Pippen thinks he can beat Michael Jordan at golf
Michael Jordan has been playing golf since his prime, winning championships with the Chicago Bulls alongside Scottie Pippen. Jordan even gave Pippen a set of golf clubs, but the two former teammates never competed against each other on the golf course.
In a 2021 interview with Golf.com, Pippen, an avid golfer, boldly claimed that if he played Jordan, he would win. Pippen’s claims have yet to be tested, as his frosty relationship with Jordan means the two retired NBA legends don’t spend time together.
“It’s all true,” Pippen said. “Luckily for him, I injured my back my rookie year. I would beat him on the golf course, too. But we never played a round of golf together.”
Pippen continued.
“Yeah, I actually have two on my resume. The first one didn’t even hit the green. I hit the side of the bunker and it bounced up and started rolling and fell right into the hole.”
With golf’s popularity rapidly growing among NBA stars, it was only a matter of time before we saw some of the biggest names in basketball hosting charity events. There, one might see the better golfers between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.