The sprawling grounds behind Mark Wahlberg’s Beverly Hills, Calif., home are a sports buff’s fantasy sprung to life. Follow a footpath past a swimming pool, a skatepark and a regulation-size hoops court, complete with a Boston Celtics logo, and you come to the property’s most impressive feature.
Nearly six years ago, the Hollywood star — and golf fanatic — had a backyard short-game facility installed. Fittingly, it’s a blockbuster.
Built by Back Nine Greens, the setup features a mini-constellation of rollicking greens, deep alabaster bunkers and multiple chipping and pitching areas.
The entire property is ringed by canyons, and the farthest tee is etched high up on a slope. It plays a little more than 120 yards, but not just any guest is allowed to hit from it. Only Wahlberg’s closest pals enjoy that privilege.
Among them is PGA Tour winner Abraham Ancer, Wahlberg’s friend and business partner in the premium tequila company, Flecha Azul. On a sun-splashed afternoon not long ago, Wahlberg and Ancer took a break from talking shop and clambered up to the nosebleed tees, where they competed in an impromptu game of closest to the pin.
Who came out victorious? Watch their showdown here:
