How Old Was Samuel L. Jackson When He Beat Tiger Woods at Golf?
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most well-known actors in the world. But performing and using the f word are not the only thing he is good at. He is an avid golfer who appears in celebrity contests, charity outings and plays with golf pros, presidents, business managers, and even alone if he has to. And once, Jackson beat the famed Tiger Woods at his own sport.
How Samuel L. Jackson ‘technically’ beat Tiger Woods at golf
Tiger Woods is a world-renowned golfer, a Hall-of-Famer with a career envied by many. Therefore, it goes without saying that beating a golfer of his stature is no mean feat, especially if you are not a professional.
On The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jackson revealed he “accidentally” beat Woods back in 1998. He was almost 50 years old, and was playing at the famed Scottish course, St Andrews, for the first time, where he was paired with a 20-something Woods in the Dunhill Cup.
“They gave me my 16 shots, and I shot 78 because he suggested that I stay close to him; well, I did that exactly and shot 78, which means I beat him by about eight strokes,” the actor explained.
While Jackson is well known for his tremendous confidence, which sometimes makes him difficult to work with, he didn’t anticipate beating Woods. Still, it remains one of his most outstanding achievements in the golf world.
Jackson’s been playing golf for a long time
Jackson’s passion for golf dates as far back as his time on the big screen. in 2013, he told CNN a group of Los Angeles friends “tricked” him into playing golf. His competitive nature won out. “I didn’t like the fact that they could do something that I couldn’t and I started playing,” the Star Wars actor explained.
Jackson frequently plays in tournaments. He even hosted a charity fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association for years. And he is a regular contestant in celebrity golf competitions such as the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and has played around the globe. However, he does have a favorite course.
“When I was shooting Freedomland, the producer gave me three rounds of golf at Augusta as my wrap gift,” Jackson said, referring to Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia. Notably, many of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies shoot in Atlanta, just a couple of hours from there.
Jackson even plays while he’s on the job
Jackson undoubtedly loves golf. But as a working actor, when does he find the time to play? He writes it into his contract.
“They have to let me play at least twice a week,” the Oscar-winner told CNN. “Generally they either move me onto a golf course or I join a club so I can play there.”
Jackson rubs elbows with more than just golf professionals when he’s on the green. He once recounted seeing Donald Trump cheat at golf. And the TK star told the New York Times he’s played with the likes of Charles Barkley and Kenny G, among others.
“You learn if a person is patient, if a person is volatile or envious,” Jackson said of the sport. And though he doesn’t always play his best, he’s learned to relax and enjoy the game. After all, he knows he can beat a pro.
