As Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods get ready to tee it up…
As Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods get ready to tee it up for the 'The Match', one of the greatest statistical equations in sports—(Score – Course Rating) x (113 / Slope Rating)—has crept its often embellished ways back into the national spotlight: The handicap.
Both Brady and Manning are below a 10-handicap, which speaks a lot about their golfing ability (or fibbing skills). But they're both well outside the best of the best, even if we're just looking at the former and current NFL players on the course. If we take them for their word—if it's not an official rank—then these 15 guys would certainly give them a run for their money.
Ryan Succop
Mr. Irrelevant in the 2009 NFL Draft has not only made a name for himself in…
Mr. Irrelevant in the 2009 NFL Draft has not only made a name for himself in the league, but he could probably beat most of the NFL golfers even on his worst day. Succop's current handicap is around +2.5.
Brett Kern
If you're following this closely, the answer is yes. You could technically put Succop (a kicker)…
If you're following this closely, the answer is yes. You could technically put Succop (a kicker) and Brett Kern (a punter) up against a pair of professional golfers, and it wouldn't be outlandish to see a good match. Kern's current handicap: 2.6
Tony Romo
The CBS broadcaster could (and has tried) to make a career out of golf—he is that…
The CBS broadcaster could (and has tried) to make a career out of golf—he is that good. As of February 2020, the ex-Cowboys quarterback had a +0.3-handicap. Jim, I tell you, that's impressive.
Kyle Williams
A man who chased after both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, the 13-year Bills defensive tackle…
A man who chased after both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, the 13-year Bills defensive tackle would be a difficult match on the course. Williams is currently a scratch golfer.
Jerry Rice
Probably the least surprising name on this list so far, Jerry Rice is an excellent golfer…
Probably the least surprising name on this list so far, Jerry Rice is an excellent golfer with a current 0.3-handicap. Although we never got to see them on the field together, it would be just as entertaining to see the all-time catch leader square off with Brady and Manning on the course.
Brandon Weeden
Whether he picked up a few pointers while spending time with Romo in Dallas, or the…
Whether he picked up a few pointers while spending time with Romo in Dallas, or the game never left him since his walkon days at Oklahoma State, Brandon Weeden can flat-out swing it. His current handicap hovers around 1, which is nice.
Derek Anderson
Do you want an ex-NFL quarterback who can carry your twosome? Look no further than Derek…
Do you want an ex-NFL quarterback who can carry your twosome? Look no further than Derek Anderson. The 14-year NFL QB has been a scratch golfer, though he sits closer to a 1.2-handicap these days.
Dick Anderson
The former Dolphins safety would probably talk a little "NFL's Last Undefeated Team" smack while also…
The former Dolphins safety would probably talk a little "NFL's Last Undefeated Team" smack while also causing a bit of grief on the course. Anderson's current handicap is said to be around a 2. He's the best NFL golfer in Florida, until further notice.
Adam Thielen
Vikings wideout Adam Theilen is one of the first examples of handicap lore on this list.…
Vikings wideout Adam Theilen is one of the first examples of handicap lore on this list. Depending on who you ask, Adam is between a near-scratch and 2-handicap. Either way, it's still impressive, but falls in the mysterious "should have seen the fish that got away" realm.
Jake Elliott
Another NFL kicker lands on the list! When Jake Elliott isn't playing for the Eagles, you…
Another NFL kicker lands on the list! When Jake Elliott isn't playing for the Eagles, you can find him on the golf course—yep, here it comes—making eagles. Or, more likely, birdies and pars. Jake sits tied in NFL golf greatness with a 2-handicap.
Rashean Mathis
Rashean Mathis: sensational golfer. The athletic ex-NFLer has a 2-handicap and has said he'd like to…
Rashean Mathis: sensational golfer. The athletic ex-NFLer has a 2-handicap and has said he'd like to play professionally someday, perhaps on the Champions Tour. Mathis also has one of the best quotes in the history of golf: "Celebrities are good, but they’re celebrities swinging a golf club. I’m trying to be a golfer swinging a golf club. That’s kind of my drive."
Chandler Catanzaro
Unlike others on this list, Catanzaro's brief NFL career—only five seasons—technically leaves him plenty of time…
Unlike others on this list, Catanzaro's brief NFL career—only five seasons—technically leaves him plenty of time to improve on his 2.3-handicap and test the professional waters. The hero of the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl has never brushed off the thought when asked, and at 28 (29 in August), he could set himself apart from the other kickers and become the first of the group to pro.
Ben Roethlisberger
We're at another one of golf's Handicap Gray Areas, and this instance is teetering on charcoal.…
We're at another one of golf's Handicap Gray Areas, and this instance is teetering on charcoal. Big Ben has claimed to be a near-scratch golfer, though he's currently listed at 2.3. No doubt, the Steelers QB has talent on the golf course. But golf is a creature of habit, and it's hard to believe he didn't suffer a setback after his right elbow injury in 2019. He's still ahead of Tom and Peyton...technically.
Matt Ryan
More quarterback controversy—golf edition! Matt Ryan is one of the best of the best. Like most…
More quarterback controversy—golf edition! Matt Ryan is one of the best of the best. Like most golfers, though, it's difficult to figure out his real handicap. There have been times when the Falcons QB has been listed as a scratch golfer. His USGA rating, as of February 2020, tells a different tale, though: 2.4. Is he better than Peyton and Tom? Still: yes.
Dan Marino
Last but not least, we say hello to ol' Mr. Isotoner, Dan Marino. The former Dolphins…
Last but not least, we say hello to ol' Mr. Isotoner, Dan Marino. The former Dolphins QB has a solid 3-handicap, and if he's as confident on the course as he was on the field, I wouldn't doubt for a second he would take next in against Tiger, Phil, Peyton, Tom...or anyone else on this list. .
