Former NFL QB Matt Ryan is a regular on the celebrity circuit. Is pro golf next?

Former Falcons QB “Matty Ice” was always cool under pressure. With a 1.9 index, it’s clear that trait serves him well on the golf course too.

GOLF: You’re a pretty good stick. Have you ever considered trying to qualify for Korn Ferry or any tour like that?

Matt Ryan: No, no. I’ve been lucky enough to play with a number of Tour pros, and they’re on a different level. I understand where my game is at. It’s good for club golf and maybe not so much for pro golf.

G: What have you learned playing with pros?

MR: They get the ball in the hole a lot better than everybody else! [Laughs] Seriously, though, it’s the short game. They always get up and down. They chip and pitch so well. They putt it so good. And then it’s a mindset and an attitude. They know how to compete, and they understand the game at a different level.

News

G: You’re a regular on the celebrity circuit. What is it that draws so many former athletes to golf?

MR: We’re wired to work at something to try and get better, to try and chase getting good at something. Golf seems to be the hardest thing to chase, right? We all like competing and challenging ourselves.

G: You’re still living in Atlanta, right?

MR: Atlanta’s home. I’ve got three young boys who were all born in Atlanta. I play at a place called Cherokee Golf and Country Club. It’s a good family club, with two good golf courses. It’s a fun place to play your golf.

G: Living so close, I assume you’ve been to Augusta National.

MR: Yes! It’s an amazing place, that’s for sure. I guess my claim to fame over there is I’m friends with Stewart Cink and I got to caddie for him one time in the Par 3 tournament. That was very cool.

G: How did you look in the white jumpsuit?

MR: Probably not great, but I tried to look the best I could, that’s for sure.

Adult Custom Caddie Uniform With Name and Number

The adult caddie uniform!    Every uniform comes with a personalized nameplate and number on removable velcro patches.   These are perfect for Halloween, golf outings, family portraits, personal use and more. Please be mindful that orders are custom-made and may take up to 7 days to arrive.    Get more for the whole family: Kid Uniforms Caddie    *Returns unavailable for this product. Exchanges by request only. 

$149.99 from Fairway Jockey

View Product

G: You grew up in the Philadelphia area. Where did you play your golf?

MR: I love playing in Philadelphia. I grew up just outside. I’ve been lucky enough to have played a bunch of the good ones. My favorite, though, is a place where my family plays called Stonewall. It’s definitely a sentimental favorite for me.

G: Have you played Pine Valley?

MR: I have, yeah. I did okay. I think Pine Valley got the better of me than I did of Pine Valley, which I’m sure is the case for a lot of people. There’s a reason it’s at the top of the rankings every year.

G: You’re doing some television work now. Does that cut into your time for teeing it up?

MR: I’m on CBS’ NFL Today. I do the pregame show on Sundays, and that’s all right. I need one day off a week from playing golf!