Chase Elliott, widely recognized for his talent on the NASCAR circuit, has recently developed a keen interest in golf, joining many other drivers who have swapped their racing suits for golf attire. Over the past year, Elliott has embraced golf not just as a casual activity but as a competitive pursuit, driven by the desire to improve his game and enjoy a different kind of challenge outside the race track.

Facing Reality on the Golf Course

In a candid discussion with NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck, Elliott revealed that his initial enthusiasm for golf was met with a reality check when competing against his close friend and fellow racer Ryan Blaney. Blaney, known for his superior golf skills, quickly showed Elliott that his abilities were not as advanced as he had believed. This wake-up call helped Elliott focus less on winning and more on the enjoyment and relaxation that golf offers.

Despite this, Elliott admits that the competitive fire still burns when playing with friends, especially when money is involved. However, he acknowledges that his intensity has diminished compared to a few years ago, suggesting a more balanced approach to the sport now.

Ryan Blaney’s Friendly Ribbing Sparks Reflection

During the popular 12 Questions interview series, Blaney took the opportunity to tease Elliott about his golf skills. He asked,

When are you ever going to get better at golf, and how many hours will you have to put in to get to my level?

—Ryan Blaney

Laughing at the jab, Elliott admitted,

Wow! Wow. It’s a valid question,

—Chase Elliott

and added,

I go through these little pockets where I get better, and then I fall back apart again.

—Chase Elliott

Elliott also reflected on his past experiences playing against Blaney:

For the record, I’ve hung with him a few times. I’m not as good as him… I’d love to get out more and play and try to give him a run. But listen, I want to be able to go beat him. There’s nothing like going to play somebody like him who’s going to give you a bunch of crap for it and him have to give me strokes. That just sucks. So maybe one day. We’ll keep chipping at it,

—Chase Elliott

Golf as a Mental Escape from Racing Pressure

For Elliott, golf has evolved beyond being a hobby. He previously shared with Dale Earnhardt Jr. that learning golf was initially challenging, but over time he found his rhythm on the course. More importantly, golf serves as a vital outlet for Elliott, providing respite from the intense demands of stock car racing.

Ryan Blaney’s Rapid Rise in Golf

Blaney’s passion for golf is well-known among NASCAR circles. Despite growing up in a family unfamiliar with the sport, he discovered golf during the COVID-19 lockdowns and quickly became devoted to it. Now, Blaney frequently organizes golf tournaments with other drivers who share his enthusiasm, helping to build a community around their shared interest in the sport.

Elliott’s Growing Commitment to Golf

Showing his dedication, Elliott visited the PGA Headquarters ahead of a Texas race and documented the trip on Instagram with the caption,

Made a quick trip to @pga HQ yesterday before we get to racin’️.

—Chase Elliott

This visit highlights Elliott’s increasing engagement with golf as a serious pastime alongside his racing career. For a driver used to pushing boundaries on the track, the challenges of mastering golf offer a new form of competition and personal growth.