Jalen Brunson on the ever-growing love story between the game of golf and basketball

The Green and the Hardwood: How Golf Is Capturing Basketball’s Heart

Goldlaner.com – The intersection of basketball and golf has evolved from casual pastime to cultural phenomenon. What once began as players seeking respite from the arena’s roar has blossomed into a full-fledged movement, with athletes trading sneakers for spiked shoes and finding new arenas for their competitive spirits. For New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, this convergence represents something deeply personal—a way to maintain the edge that defines his career while discovering fresh challenges beyond the painted lines of the basketball court.

A Father-Son Rivalry Finds New Ground

Brunson’s relationship with the sport traces back to his childhood and a simple realization: his father had become too formidable to defeat on the basketball court. Rick Brunson, a former NBA player who now serves as an assistant coach for the Knicks, had essentially retired Jalen from their one-on-one battles. The solution? Golf.

“My dad stopped playing me one-on-one on the court, so I needed to find something else to beat him in,” Brunson explained. “You’re still being competitive.”

The connection between the two sports runs deeper than mere competition. Brunson notes the parallel rhythms—a smooth golf swing echoing the fluid motion of a polished jump shot, the outdoor setting offering a different kind of audience than the electric energy of a packed arena. Players across the league have embraced this shift, with many carrying clubs on road trips to warmer destinations, transforming what was once a niche hobby into a league-wide tradition.

The Second Round Foundation: Finding Opportunity in the Overlooked

Brunson’s annual charity golf classic has become a cornerstone of his off-court legacy. The event supports the Second Round Foundation, which he co-founded with his mother, Sandra Brunson. The organization draws its name from Brunson’s own journey—a second-round draft pick who proved that success rarely follows conventional paths.

“You can go down so many different roads with that term,” Brunson reflected. “I felt like I was overlooked in sport, but there are a lot of kids and people who overlooked this in life.”

The foundation’s mission centers on leveling the playing field for young people who might otherwise be passed over. Sandra Brunson emphasized the importance of equal opportunity for children, noting that the family is committed to providing resources regardless of background or circumstance.

“Overlooked is a term that I think many people can associate with,” Sandra said. “But for children, everyone needs to start on the same playing field and we’re just happy to be able to help and to provide whatever resources we can.”

The golf event has grown organically, with participants signing up independently before Sandra humorously intervened to control the guest list. Jalen’s playful response—admitting he was prepared to blame his mother if anyone felt left out—reveals the warmth that defines the family’s approach to the fundraiser.

From the Court to the Course: A League-Wide Trend

The basketball-golf crossover extends far beyond Brunson. LeBron James, who will face the Knicks on opening day of the upcoming season, represents the league’s elite embracing the sport. Steph Curry captured the 2023 American Century Classic, a prestigious celebrity tournament featuring numerous professional athletes. Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers has cultivated a dedicated golf-focused Instagram presence, while Michael Jordan has long been recognized as one of the game’s most passionate participants.

Even recently retired players continue the tradition. JR Smith joined the golf team at North Carolina A&T as a freshman walk-on shortly after hanging up his NBA jersey. On the women’s side, Caitlin Clark and Diana Taurasi have demonstrated that the golf bug shows no gender boundaries.

Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey captured the sentiment of many players when he joked about the unique pressure of performing on the course. In a video posted by the NBA, Maxey admitted, “I can do all this basketball with 20,000 people but golfing in front of cameras? Can’t do it.”

The Science Behind the Swing

The connection between basketball and golf extends beyond metaphor. The PGA published an analysis highlighting specific parallels between the two sports, noting that free throws share similarities with putting, while the crossover dribble mirrors the tempo changes essential to a proper golf swing. These technical connections suggest that basketball players may possess natural advantages when transitioning to the green.

“There’s a lot surrounding it that makes it like the perfect getaway for a lot of not just basketball players but pro athletes,” Brunson observed. “It’s a perfect getaway where you’re still being competitive.”

Sandra’s Golf Journey Continues

Despite her central role in organizing the charity event, Sandra Brunson has yet to fully embrace the sport herself. “No one in my family has ever even attempted to invite me to a golf outing to participate,” she revealed. Jalen joked that his mother has never been seen touching a club, though he clarified that their family games are more about fun than instruction.

“My daughter has clubs. My granddaughter has clubs, I don’t even have clubs,” Sandra said.

As a former collegiate athlete, Sandra expects her competitive nature will eventually draw her onto the course. This offseason has brought a different rhythm to Brunson’s life—he’s spent less time on the green while recovering from wrist surgery, but has gained valuable moments with family and downtime that will serve him well when the season begins.

The love story between basketball and golf continues to grow, and for players like Brunson, it represents more than just a hobby. It’s a way to stay connected to competition, to give back to communities, and to find new ways to challenge themselves beyond the boundaries of their primary sport.