Today, I’m enjoying a vodka soda with the man with the best beard in baseball, Archie Bradley. Am I right?
Archie Bradley: I’m just going to say it’s a good beard. And I happen to play baseball.
When was the last time you shaved?
AB: The last time an actual razor touched my face was October 31, 2016. I had a teammate kind of push me to grow out the beard, so I shaved with the intention to let it grow. And then spring training started. I had a beard. And the next thing you know, I still have one. And it took off. It was on T-shirts. It was on posters. It was everywhere.
Do you miss seeing your whole face?
AB: Yes, in a way. I’m at the point where even I’m confused about what I look like without the beard.
Beards are becoming a thing in pro golf. Are there any you’ve noticed on Tour?
AB: Number one, I have to go with my guy, Beef [Andrew Johnston]. He’s got the big beard, the big swing, the big personality—kind of everything all in one.
I got to play a round with you today, and you can stripe it. How did you get your start in the game?
AB: My dad. I feel like I throw a lot of credit to my dad in the things I do, but my dad put a golf club in my hand, and I’m still playing with him to this day. So, “Thanks, Pops.”
You told me you’ve never had a lesson.
AB: I’ve never had lessons. I probably should take some, but my time is very limited, so I’d much rather go play than go practice right now. I’ve kind of put my score to the side, and I’m just trying to enjoy playing and enjoy the company I’m playing with.
A lot of professional athletes get excited about playing golf when they’re on the road. Where are your favorite spots?
AB: The division we play in, we travel to a lot of great golf cities. When we go to San Diego, we get to play Torrey. In San Fran, Olympic. We’re fortunate to get on some of these courses that are kind of tough to get on.
No better way to spend your time off than that!
AB: The season is such a grind. Our off days are so few and far between that the ones we get we want to take advantage of. For me, what’s better than having a few drinks on the course with your teammates and playing some golf? You get some betting going; you get some trash talk going. It’s the ultimate off day. You get to relax but still enjoy something you’re doing.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about your golf game?
AB: I played with Lucas Glover, and he gave me a bit of advice. He said, “Hey, man, you don’t practice, so when you come out here don’t expect to shoot a 75, because you’re not good enough to shoot a 75. If you shoot an 85, you shoot an 85.” Ever since then, I’ve loved golf 100 times more.
