by Hugh Jackman may be best known for playing the clawed mutant Wolverine in the X-Men films, but off-screen this Australian actor has a very different secret passion – golf.
From his early days growing up in Australia to his current A-list status in Hollywood, golf has been a constant in Hugh’s life for over 30 years. In this article, we’ll explore how Hugh first discovered golf, his achievements in celebrity tournaments, and how his love for the game has grown over the decades.
The Genesis of a Golf Obsession
Hugh was bitten by the golf bug at a young age. He first started playing golf around high school at the age of 12 or 13. Back then he described himself as a “hack” who would “just beat the ball as hard as I could.” But even as a beginner, there was something about golf that drew Hugh in and made him want to improve his game.
In interviews, Hugh has stated he was never much of a team sports person. But the individual focus and mental challenge of golf was the perfect fit for his personality. Golf allowed Hugh to be outdoors connecting with nature and work on mastering his concentration, patience and inner calm.
As a teenager, Hugh improved rapidly and became a solid junior club golfer. The sport taught him discipline and persistence. He had found more than just a hobby – golf became a lifelong passion that would only grow stronger over time.
Hugh the Hollywood Golfer
After Hugh made the move to Hollywood and found success as an actor, golf remained his go-to hobby outside of work. Even at the height of his Wolverine fame while shooting X-Men movies, Hugh could be found tee times at Los Angeles courses on his days off.
He even met his wife Deborra-lee Furness in 1996 while playing a round of golf as part of a TV show appearance. Some of their earliest dates were playing golf together, so the sport has a special place in their relationship.
As Hugh took on more high-profile roles, his dedication to golf never wavered. He’s been known to squeeze in power golf sessions at 6 a.m. before long days on set. And he often plays quick 9-hole rounds late in the evenings after wrapping up filming.
No matter how busy his acting schedule gets or how demanding his superhero workouts become, Hugh always carves out time for golf. It’s his way of relaxing, refocusing, and connecting back to his roots.
Hugh the Competitor
Beyond just a hobby, Hugh has pursued competitive golf for decades. He first competed in celebrity tournaments in the early 2000s as his acting career was taking off. And he continues to be a fixture at pro-ams and other competitions to this day.
In 2004, Hugh participated in his first Pebble Beach Pro-Am – one of the most prestigious celebrity golf events. He was paired with pro Nick Faldo and felt utterly intimidated as a high handicap amateur. But Hugh held his own and considered it a “life highlight” just to play at the iconic Pebble Beach course.
Over the years, Hugh has become more comfortable competing against other stars and top pros. He’s logged top 10 finishes at Pebble Beach more than once. And he’s competed everywhere from the Australian Open to the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe against the likes of Chris O’Donnell and Aaron Rodgers.
In 2013, Hugh achieved one of his proudest golf moments by qualifying for the British Open at Muirfield. He shot an impressive 4-under 68 in regional qualifying to earn a spot in golf’s oldest major championship. Hugh called it his “Masters moment” and considered it a career highlight alongside his biggest acting roles.
Winning in the Land Down Under
While Hugh plays golf competitively around the world, some of his biggest tournament achievements have come in his homeland of Australia.
In 2008, he won the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic, a charity tournament that benefits spinal cord injury research. Hugh defeated Australian cricket legend Allan Border in the finals by holing out an approach shot for an eagle.
Hugh has also found success at the Australian Open’s celebrity pro-am multiple times. He won the pro-am portion in 2013 while paired with Geoff Ogilvy. In 2015, he did it again partnering with fellow Aussie Jason Day, who went on to win the actual tournament the next day.
But Hugh’s biggest victory came at the 2017 Emirates Australian Open pro-am where he took home the overall title in the team competition. Hugh, paired with pro Ashley Hall, shot rounds of 73 and 75 to capture the 36-hole event by two strokes.
The win allowed Hugh to take home his very own Australian Open championship trophy before the real pros teed it up later that week. It cemented his reputation as one of the best celebrity golfers from Down Under.
Rising Up the Ranks
In the late 2010s and into the 2020s, Hugh stepped up his golf game even more. He didn’t just play recreationally or for charity – Hugh now had his competitive sights set on winning amateur tournaments.
In 2018, Hugh began working with renowned golf coach Yoshi Tsukuda to hone his game. He also trained on state-of-the-art simulators and practiced diligently with professional instructors while preparing for big events.
The hard work paid off. In 2018, Hugh won his age division at the Southern California Golf Association Tournament of Champions. He also started competing in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, one of the highest profile amateur events of the year.
Hugh’s newfound golf skills and serious practice regimen were on full display when he attempted to qualify for the 2018 U.S. Open at age 50. He shot rounds of 74 and 70 to finish tied for 14th in the grueling sectional qualifier against the world’s top amateurs.
Although he came up just short of qualifying, Hugh proved he could hold his own against elite competition. After decades of playing golf, he had risen from hacker to scratch golfer competing for major championships.
Bringing Golf to Hollywood
Beyond the green, Hugh has tried to share his passion for golf back in Hollywood. He served as host and executive producer of “The World’s Greatest Golfer” – a 2009 reality show that aimed to find the best amateur player.
Hugh also created a mobile app called “Swing King” that offers 3D golf instruction from top coaches to improve users’ swings. As an avid player himself, Hugh wanted to harness new technology to help golfers of all skill levels pick up the game more easily.
Most recently, Hugh has been spreading golf fever as a brand ambassador for the American PGA with initiatives targeted at families, youth golf, and inclusion in the sport. He also hosts live events like The Match: Champions for Charity driving range show.
Thanks to Hugh, more people in Hollywood and beyond are now tee times and picking up clubs. Golf doesn’t seem so stuffy anymore, with Hugh showing how fun and fulfilling it can be.
Why Hugh Loves Golf
When asked why he is so passionate about golf, Hugh has a few philosophical responses. Yes, he enjoys the competitiveness of trying to post low scores. But he also simply appreciates the mental battle and being fully present in the moment while playing.
In Hugh’s words: “One of the things I love about golf is that you can never completely master it. There is always more to learn and ways you can improve. It keeps me humble.”
He also loves how golf is universally appealing across cultures and demographics. On the course, your playing partners can become close friends regardless of their age, gender, or background.
Above all, Hugh emphasizes that golf is his personal escape and reset button away from the glitz and pressures of Hollywood. When he’s walking the course and looking down the fairway, Hugh isn’t thinking about red carpet premieres, soda endorsements, or the Wolverine – he’s fully in the sanctuary of golf.
Looking Ahead
As Hugh enters his 50s, golf will continue to be his go-to hobby for exercise, competition, and peace of mind. He’s playing better than ever and shows no signs of the passion fading any time soon.
Would Hugh ever attempt to qualify for the PGA Champions Tour once he turns 50? He has hinted that could be a fun new challenge someday. But for now, Hugh is content to keep playing for fun and participate in select amateur events that fit his busy film schedule.
Beyond the personal rewards, Hugh also looks to promote junior and adaptive golf programs as a way to give back through his love of the game. Hugh Jackman’s golf career may never reach the heights of his silver screen stardom, but it will continue be a quiet cornerstone of his remarkable life for years to come.
The next time you see Hugh on the big screen as Wolverine just remember – beneath the bulging biceps is a golf nut with a velvety smooth swing forged from decades of practice. Golf is truly Hugh Jackman’s secret life passion.
