When the NFL season ends, many professional football players trade their helmets for golf caps. But who are the best NFL golfers currently in the league? From scratch handicaps to celebrity tournament victories, these gridiron stars have proven they're just as competitive on the golf course as they are on the field.
With Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots taking place February 8th—the same weekend as the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale—there's never been a better time to explore the intersection of professional football and golf.
Why Do So Many NFL Players Golf?
Golf has become the go-to offseason activity for NFL players. The sport offers low-impact exercise, mental competition, and networking opportunities that appeal to professional athletes. Many of the best NFL golfers have played since childhood, while others picked up the game after entering the league.
The result? Some surprisingly low handicaps and legitimate competitive success at events like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and American Century Championship.
Top 10 Best NFL Golfers (2026 Rankings)
1. Josh Allen, QB – Buffalo Bills
Handicap: 3.5
Josh Allen isn't just one of the best NFL golfers—he might be the best athlete-golfer in professional sports. The Bills quarterback approaches golf with the same intensity as football, reportedly playing 72 holes in 48-hour stretches and practicing until after midnight.
Golf Achievements:
- Won the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with partner Ben Silverman
- Four consecutive American Century Championship appearances
- Shareholder in OnCore Golf, a Buffalo-based golf technology company
Allen's 3.5 handicap makes him competitive with club professionals, and his dedication suggests he'll only get better.
2. Adam Thielen, WR – Carolina Panthers
Handicap: 0.6
Adam Thielen holds the lowest handicap among the best NFL golfers at skill positions. Before his football career took off at Minnesota State, Thielen won a Minnesota state high school golf championship.
Golf Achievements:
- Led Round 1 at the 2024 American Century Championship with 24 points
- Near-scratch golfer competing against PGA professionals
- Consistent top finisher at celebrity golf events
Thielen's 0.6 handicap means he occasionally shoots under par—remarkable for any amateur, let alone an active NFL player.
3. Aaron Rodgers, QB – New York Jets
Handicap: 4.6
Aaron Rodgers is one of the most recognizable NFL players who golf on the celebrity circuit. His competitive nature and smooth swing have made him a fan favorite at events like “The Match” and the American Century Championship.
Golf Achievements:
- Won “The Match” (2022) alongside Tom Brady, defeating Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes
- Perennial competitor at the American Century Championship
- Known for clutch putting under pressure
Rodgers treats every round like a playoff game, making him one of the most entertaining NFL golfers to watch.
4. Patrick Mahomes, QB – Kansas City Chiefs
Handicap: 7.7 (self-reported: closer to 4-5)
The three-time Super Bowl champion recently admitted his official handicap might not tell the whole story. “I would say 7, but I'm closer to 4-5,” Mahomes revealed. “Don't tell anybody.”
Golf Achievements:
- Won “The Match VIII” (2023) with Travis Kelce, defeating Steph Curry and Klay Thompson
- Built a par-3 hole at his $8 million Kansas City mansion
- Launched Adidas golf apparel line
Mahomes' competitive fire makes him one of the best NFL golfers in pressure situations.
5. Jake Elliott, K – Philadelphia Eagles
Handicap: 3.5
Among NFL kickers who golf, Jake Elliott stands alone. The Eagles' Pro Bowl kicker has legitimate competitive credentials that extend beyond celebrity events.
Golf Achievements:
- Qualified for the 2022 Philadelphia Open Championship
- Competes against club professionals and elite amateurs
- Precision kicking skills translate directly to approach shots
Elliott's 3.5 handicap and tournament qualification make him arguably the most accomplished competitive golfer in the NFL.
6. Sam Darnold, QB – Seattle Seahawks
Handicap: Estimated 10-12
This Super Bowl weekend, Sam Darnold is focused on defeating the Patriots—but he's also one of the emerging NFL quarterback golfers to watch. Darnold made his American Century Championship debut in 2025.
Golf Achievements:
- 2025 American Century Championship participant
- Reunited with 2018 draft classmates Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield on the course
- Rapidly improving handicap
A Super Bowl LX victory would make Darnold's offseason golf appearances even more anticipated.
7. Travis Kelce, TE – Kansas City Chiefs
Handicap: 10-11
Travis Kelce brings the same energy to golf that makes him one of the NFL's most dynamic tight ends. While his handicap is higher than some NFL golfers, his raw power and improving short game make him dangerous.
Golf Achievements:
- Won “The Match VIII” with Patrick Mahomes (2023)
- Won celebrity long-drive contest at Lake Tahoe
- Five consecutive American Century Championship appearances
Kelce claims he can drive the ball “330-plus yards”—and the long-drive trophy proves it.
8. Trevor Lawrence, QB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Handicap: Estimated 8-10
Trevor Lawrence has quietly become one of the best young NFL golfers in the league. The Jaguars franchise quarterback competes regularly at celebrity golf events alongside established veterans.
Golf Achievements:
- Regular American Century Championship competitor
- Improving handicap each offseason
- Known for athletic, powerful swing
Lawrence's ceiling as a golfer mirrors his football potential—elite.
9. Baker Mayfield, QB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Handicap: Estimated 8-10
Baker Mayfield's career resurgence in Tampa Bay has extended to the golf course. The competitive quarterback is a regular at Lake Tahoe's American Century Championship.
Golf Achievements:
- Consistent American Century Championship performer
- Memorable 2025 pairing with Josh Allen and Sam Darnold
- Dangerous match-play competitor
Mayfield's fearless approach makes him unpredictable—and entertaining—on the course.
10. George Kittle, TE – San Francisco 49ers
Handicap: Estimated 12-15
George Kittle is the newest addition to the best NFL golfers conversation. The All-Pro tight end made his American Century Championship debut in 2025, bringing his trademark enthusiasm to a new sport.
Golf Achievements:
- 2025 American Century Championship debut
- Powerful build suggests distance potential
- Dedicated offseason training
Kittle's work ethic and athleticism make him a golfer to watch as his game develops.
Honorable Mentions: Other NFL Players Who Golf
Several other NFL golfers deserve recognition:
- Mike Vrabel (Patriots Head Coach) – Competed at the 2025 American Century Championship
- Davante Adams (Raiders WR) – Regular celebrity golf participant
- Kyle Juszczyk (49ers FB) – American Century Championship competitor
- Derek Carr (Saints QB) – Known for solid golf game
Which NFL Position Produces the Best Golfers?
Quarterbacks dominate the list of best NFL golfers, and it's no coincidence. The position requires:
- Precision and touch – Similar to approach shots and putting
- Mental composure – Both sports demand focus under pressure
- Film study habits – Translates to analyzing golf swings and courses
Kickers and punters also excel at golf, likely due to the leg-swing mechanics and precision their positions require.
Where Do NFL Players Golf Competitively?
The best NFL golfers compete at several high-profile events:
| Event | Location | Notable NFL Participants |
|---|---|---|
| American Century Championship | Lake Tahoe, NV | Allen, Rodgers, Mahomes, Kelce |
| AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am | Pebble Beach, CA | Josh Allen (2023 winner) |
| “The Match” | Various | Mahomes, Kelce, Rodgers, Brady |
FAQ: Best NFL Golfers
Who is the best golfer in the NFL right now?
Josh Allen is widely considered the best NFL golfer in 2026, with a 3.5 handicap and a Pebble Beach Pro-Am victory. Adam Thielen's 0.6 handicap is technically lower, but Allen's tournament success gives him the edge.
What NFL player has the lowest golf handicap?
Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers has the lowest handicap among NFL skill players at 0.6. Among all NFL players, kicker Jake Elliott matches Josh Allen at 3.5 and has qualified for amateur championships.
Does Patrick Mahomes play golf?
Yes, Patrick Mahomes is an avid golfer with a 7.7 handicap—though he admits he “doesn't put his good scores in” and may actually play closer to a 4-5. He won “The Match” in 2023 with Travis Kelce.
Which NFL quarterbacks are the best golfers?
The top NFL quarterback golfers are Josh Allen (3.5), Aaron Rodgers (4.6), and Patrick Mahomes (7.7). All three compete regularly at celebrity golf events and have appeared in “The Match.”
Do any NFL players compete in professional golf events?
Josh Allen won the 2023 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a PGA Tour event that pairs professionals with amateurs. Jake Elliott qualified for the Philadelphia Open Championship, an elite amateur event.
Final Thoughts: NFL Golfers in 2026
The best NFL golfers prove that elite athleticism transcends sports. From Josh Allen's Pro-Am victory to Adam Thielen's near-scratch handicap, these players bring the same dedication to golf that made them NFL stars.
As Super Bowl LX and the WM Phoenix Open share the spotlight this weekend, the connection between football and golf has never been stronger. Whether it's Sam Darnold chasing a championship or Patrick Mahomes sneaking in offseason rounds, expect these NFL golfers to keep making headlines on the course.
