Back in 2020, JR Smith found himself on top of the basketball world again. After years of highs and lows in the NBA, he landed with the Los Angeles Lakers just before the bubble season. While his stats weren’t too good, just averaging 2 points per game, he was just a role player but he was part of the championship run that brought LeBron another ring. But after the champagne dried and the parades ended, Smith waited. Strangely, not a single team reached out. “I’m not playing, I should be playing. I want to play,” he said. Still, that silence didn’t mark the end, it became the start of a surprising new journey.
What came next was something few expected. Instead of retiring quietly, Smith chose to chase another dream: college golf. He joined North Carolina A&T and made headlines as a 36-year-old freshman athlete. “It’s a bucket list for me, to live my dream twice,” Smith had said. “First, to play professional basketball, and now play another sport in college. I’m excited about it, but I’m not content.” He kicked off his college golf career on a cool fall morning, far from roaring NBA arenas. While his scores weren’t elite, the experience was about growth, not glory.
And he hasn’t stopped or looked back since. Now, years later, he recently showed up on the No Bad Lies podcast with comedian Andrew Santino. The two even played golf together, and it was not without incidents. They recounted how Smith stirred things up during a casual round against pro golfers. “We stomped them,” Smith said with a laugh. The two recalled a match where they outplayed a Russian pro named Natalya. The comedian recalled getting looked down on by the pros, “They thought we were trash.” To which Smith recalled, “Like when you stuffed it on one, they were not expecting that.”
Sep 24, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) poses during Cavs Media Day at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-Imagn Images
“She was like, ‘We’re going to have to move the tees. This is not going to work for me.’ She was mad, dude,” Santino added, remembering her reaction when their shots unexpectedly landed close. Just earlier, they had mentioned how a couple of their shots had rubbed the pros the wrong way. What started as fun turned into a low-key turf war on the fairway.
Even more buzz came when Thomas Amador posted a photo with Jeff and Santino from the Charles Schwab Challenge on his Instagram story. He wrote, “@charles schwab challenge was a blast with @teamswish.” The 80-year-old tournament, held at Colonial Country Club, is one of golf’s oldest and most iconic events. This year, it runs from May 22 to May 25 and features stars like Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama, and Tommy Fleetwood. With a $9.5 million prize fund on the line, the spotlight is intense. It’s interesting to see Smith come so far.
From courts to courses, J.R. Smith finds peace in his new game
J.R. Smith has traded buzzer-beaters for birdies, but his competitive fire still burns strong. Now a senior golfer at North Carolina A&T, the two-time NBA champ recently did an interview with GOLF. Interestingly, he took the chance to open up about his second act.
“Golf is the perfect mix of challenge and chill,” Smith shared. “It pushes you mentally and physically, but it’s also one of the most relaxing things you can do, especially when you hit the green with friends.” The transition from the intensity of the NBA to the calm of the course might seem drastic, but for Smith, it’s all about energy. “You’re out there with friends, soaking up the sun, hitting shots, just enjoying life.” Well, that could certainly be seen in his video with Santino.
Though he’s still learning, Smith’s confidence is growing. “Right now, the best part of my game is my irons. The worst part of my game is my driver.” When he needs help, he turns to swing coach Jason Baile. And when it comes to mindset? “The best advice? Stay patient… You’ve gotta trust your swing, focus on the basics, and just let the game come to you.”
From sharing rounds with Steph Curry and Rory McIlroy to sipping Peach High Noon on the course, Smith’s life has slowed down, but the love for competition? That hasn’t changed one bit.
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