With 22 Olympic medals to his name, Michael Phelps is choosing a bold next chapter. He is pursuing golf as a professional pursuit and will take on a new role in an instructional series led by Hank Haney, the coach long associated with Tiger Woods. The project links with The Golf Channel and its popular Haney Project, a platform aimed at helping amateur players sharpen their swing, sharpen their strategy, and raise their game on the course.
The Golf Channel has described the project as a way to document how a record-setting athlete approaches golf training. Phelps has said he is excited about the possibilities he and Haney can unlock on the greens, and the arrangement speaks to a broader effort to translate elite training habits into practical, on-course improvements for everyday players. The collaboration blends high-level coaching with real-world practice, giving viewers a clear window into how a top athlete adapts to a brand-new sport.
In the series, Phelps will receive lessons on some of the world’s most famous courses, letting fans watch him carry out drills, apply tips, and navigate challenging holes under the guidance of a seasoned instructor. The swimmer sees golf as the next phase of his life and is eager to explore it with discipline, curiosity, and a genuine love for the game. Viewers will see him balance competing priorities as he learns to manage equipment, course conditions, and mental focus in a sport that rewards patience and precision.
The journey comes with nerves that are easy to imagine for someone who has thrived under intense spotlight. Phelps admitted that teeing off now can be more nerve-wracking than his first Olympics appearance in Athens, underscoring how different kinds of pressure shape his approach to a new sport. He has also found moral support from his hero, basketball legend Michael Jordan, who invited him to join a round and offered encouragement, a moment that highlights the cross-sport camaraderie that often fuels bold transitions.
Phelps is actively laying the groundwork to make this cross-sport venture credible and engaging. He recently stepped onto the Ryder Cup stage for a celebrity event alongside Justin Timberlake and George Lopez, a display that signaled his commitment to learning quickly and letting the move unfold naturally rather than feel forced. The appearance drew attention from fans and fellow competitors, inviting speculation about how far a swimmer can progress on the golf course when guided by steady practice and seasoned coaching.
As this new chapter unfolds, well-wishers offer their best wishes for a successful shift from water to land. The transition is more than a career change; it illustrates a lasting mindset of growth and adaptation. The collaboration between Phelps and Haney promises a compelling look at how dedication, coaching, and opportunity can redefine a legend’s journey, reshaping expectations for what a celebrated athlete can achieve when he dares to swing in a completely new direction.