MLB Spring Training: How Much Golf Can Ballplayers Really Squeeze In?
Spring training. The sweet smell of freshly cut grass. The roar of the crowd. And for a whole lot of MLB players, the sweet, sweet sound of a driver connecting with a golf ball. You see these guys, right? Built like brick outhouses, spending their days on the diamond. But when the cleats come off, where do they go? For many, it’s straight to the links. You might think they’re grinding 24/7, but nah. Turns out, there’s more golf being played in those dusty Arizona and Florida camps than you’d ever guess. And some of these dudes? They’re not just dabbling. They’re serious about their handicap.
Take a guy like Brent Rooker, an outfielder for the Oakland A’s. This dude’s a two-time All-Star, and he’s out there in Scottsdale, Arizona, during spring training. He’s not just thinking about batting practice and fielding drills. He’s thinking about his golf game. He was recently on a podcast, talking about his golf rounds. He shot a 75, which is damn good. But get this, his teammate, Jeff McNeil, who’s a second baseman, he shot a 68. A 68! Rooker was three under through five holes, thinking he had it in the bag. Then, nerves hit. Happens to the best of us, even when you’re not trying to break par for the first time ever.
So, the big question is: how much time do these guys actually have to swing a club when they’re supposed to be getting ready for a grueling 162-game season? According to Rooker, it’s a hell of a lot more than you’d think. It’s not just a quick nine holes after an early workout. We’re talking full rounds. And it depends on a few things. Your status on the team, for starters. And how much the organization wants you glued to the dugout.
The Spring Training Schedule: More Freedom Than You Think
The whole spring training gig is a bit of a balancing act. On one hand, you’ve got the team. They want you sharp, ready to go. They’ve got a target number of at-bats for you. Rooker mentioned it’s usually somewhere between 45 and 50 at-bats. You’ve got about 30 games to get those numbers in. That’s roughly 18 or 19 games where you’re actively playing and getting your reps. But what about the other days? The days you’re not in the lineup?
This is where the golf opportunities really open up. Rooker laid it out pretty clearly. Once you’re established, you know your role, you’ve got your routine down, and you’re feeling prepared for the season, things tend to dictate themselves a bit more. It’s less about rigid schedules and more about getting yourself into the right headspace and physical condition. And for a lot of these guys, that includes hitting the links. The organization, at least in Rooker’s case with the A’s, doesn’t make you sit through every single game if you’re not playing. You can chill. You can relax. You can even leave after the fifth inning if you’re required to be there but not playing.
Think about that. You’re a professional athlete, supposedly in peak physical condition for your primary sport. And you’ve got afternoons free. What are you gonna do? Sit in the hotel room and watch reruns? Hell no. You’re gonna find a golf course. Especially if you’re in a place like Scottsdale or Florida, where there are more courses per capita than anywhere else on Earth. It’s practically an obligation to play golf.
Rooker's Golf Routine: A Glimpse into the Player's Life
So, how often is Rooker actually getting out there? He said he’d played five times since arriving for spring training. That’s not every single day, obviously. More like every other day. And he hopes to keep that pace up. But here’s the catch. His wife and kids only come out sporadically. When they’re there, guess what? No golf. It’s family time. And that’s completely understandable. But when they’re not around, he’s taking full advantage of those free afternoons. He’s out there, soaking up the Arizona sun, trying to shave strokes off his game.
This isn’t some rare exception. You talk to enough guys in baseball, and you’ll hear similar stories. Golf is a massive part of the culture for a lot of professional athletes. It’s a way to decompress. It’s a way to stay competitive in a different arena. And it’s a way to socialize with teammates and other athletes. You’ve got guys who are genuinely good at golf. We’re not talking about hackers who can barely break 100. We’re talking about guys who can genuinely play, who have legit handicaps, and who take pride in their game. Some of them probably spend as much time thinking about their golf swing as their baseball swing during the offseason.
It’s kind of funny, though. You’re supposed to be focused on baseball. You’re getting paid millions of dollars to hit a baseball. And you’re out there, stressing about whether you’re going to lip out that putt on the 18th. It’s a different kind of pressure. A self-imposed pressure, mostly. But it’s real. And it’s a testament to how much these athletes love competition. They’ll find it wherever they can. And golf provides a perfect outlet.
The Allure of the Links During Spring Training
What makes golf so appealing during this specific period? Well, for starters, the schedule is more flexible. As we’ve established, there are plenty of downtime hours. You’re not traveling every day like during the regular season. You’re generally based in one location for a few weeks. This allows for a more consistent routine, which is great for both baseball and golf. You can get into a rhythm on the golf course, and that can translate to a better feel for your swing.
Then there’s the mental aspect. Baseball can be brutal. Long slumps, slumps that feel like they’ll never end. Golf can be just as frustrating, but it’s a different kind of frustration. It’s a more solitary struggle. You can’t blame a teammate for your bad shot. It’s all on you. And sometimes, that’s exactly what an athlete needs. A chance to focus on their own performance without the added pressure of team expectations. It’s a mental reset. A way to clear the head and come back to the field with a fresh perspective.
And let’s not forget the camaraderie. Spring training is a time when team bonds are formed. Playing golf together is a fantastic way to build those relationships. You’re out there for a few hours, walking the course, talking. It’s a more relaxed environment than the clubhouse or the dugout. You get to know your teammates on a different level. You see their competitive spirit in a different light. You might even learn who the real golf sharks are on the team.
Some players might even use golf as a form of cross-training. While it’s not as physically demanding as baseball, it still requires a good amount of walking, core strength, and fine motor skills. Swinging a golf club can help maintain flexibility and coordination. Plus, the focus and concentration required for golf can be beneficial for staying mentally sharp on the baseball field. It’s all about keeping the body and mind engaged and sharp. It’s not just goofing off; for some, it’s part of their preparation. It’s about staying in the zone, just a different kind of zone.
Golfing Destinations During Spring Training
The two main hubs for MLB spring training are Arizona and Florida. And both states are golf paradises. In Arizona, you’ve got the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa. This region is absolutely packed with world-class golf courses. From challenging desert layouts to meticulously manicured resort courses, there’s something for every skill level and preference. Many of these courses are located just a short drive from the spring training facilities.
Florida, particularly the central and southeastern parts of the state, is another golf mecca. Places like Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, and Jupiter are home to numerous MLB teams during spring training, and they also boast an incredible density of golf courses. The warm weather and beautiful scenery make it an ideal environment for playing golf year-round. It’s no wonder so many players take advantage of the proximity and quality of the courses available.
You’ll find players heading to the same courses that tourists flock to. Some might even get preferential treatment, though you wouldn’t know it if you saw them. They’re just guys trying to get a good round in. But imagine teeing off next to a guy who just hit a walk-off homer last night. It’s a pretty surreal experience. It’s a reminder that these athletes are multi-talented individuals who have passions beyond their primary sport. And golf is a big one for many.
The Competitive Edge on the Fairway
It’s not just about relaxation, though. Many of these players are seriously competitive. They want to win, whether it’s on the field or on the course. Rooker’s story about getting nervous after starting well is a perfect example. That competitive fire doesn’t just switch off when they step away from baseball. They want to perform. They want to score well. They’ll talk smack, they’ll push each other, just like they do in the dugout.
Some players even have dedicated golf coaches or spend significant time practicing their golf game during the offseason. They understand the mechanics of a swing, the importance of tempo, and the mental game. These are all transferable skills that benefit their baseball performance. It’s about finding that sweet spot between rest and continued athletic engagement. It’s a smart way to stay sharp without burning out. And for those who are genuinely passionate about golf, it’s a joy. It’s not a chore; it’s a pleasure.
You’ll hear them talking about their favorite courses, their favorite PGA Tour pros, their dream golf trips. It’s a common thread that runs through a lot of professional sports. The love of the game. And for many baseball players, that love extends to the greens and fairways. So next time you see a baseball player out on the golf course, don’t be surprised. They’re probably just doing what they love in their downtime. And who knows, they might even be working on their game for that crucial at-bat or that important pitch. It’s all connected, in a weird, sporting kind of way.
Ultimately, the amount of golf MLB players squeeze into spring training boils down to opportunity and personal choice. The flexible schedules and the abundance of excellent courses create the perfect storm for golf enthusiasts within the league. It’s a chance to unwind, stay competitive, bond with teammates, and enjoy a different kind of athletic pursuit. So, while they’re preparing for the long baseball season, don’t underestimate the number of birdies and bogeys being made on the fairways. It’s a significant part of the spring training experience for many.