Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports openly acknowledged that he is not quite on the same level as his close friend and Team Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney when it comes to golf. The two NASCAR Cup Series drivers, well-known for their camaraderie both on and off the track, shared this friendly rivalry during an interview earlier this year.

Golf is one of the favorite pastimes among many NASCAR drivers, and Elliott and Blaney frequently enjoy rounds together, often filled with competitive banter. In a lighthearted exchange during Jeff Gluck’s 12 Questions interview tradition, Blaney prompted Elliott about his golf skills, leading to Elliott’s candid confession about his current standing in the game.

Chase Elliott’s Honest Reflection on His Golf Skills Compared to Ryan Blaney

When asked about his progress in golf and how much effort it might take to reach Blaney’s level, Elliott admitted there are ups and downs in his game. He described cycling through moments of improvement only to fall back, underscoring that, despite multiple rounds played together, Blaney remains the superior golfer.

“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? (laughs) Wow! Wow. It’s a valid question. I go through these little pockets where I get better, and then I fall back apart again. For the record, I’ve hung with him a few times. I’m not as good as him.”
—Chase Elliott, via The Athletic

Despite his self-acknowledged shortcomings, Elliott is motivated to keep challenging Blaney on the fairway. He values the lively competitiveness that comes with playing against a rival who is both skilled and relentlessly competitive in any type of contest.

“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 s**ks. So maybe one day. We’ll keep chipping at it.”
—Chase Elliott

Jimmie Johnson’s Encouragement Following Elliott’s Breakthrough Win

Chase Elliott’s recent performance at the Atlanta Motor Speedway marked a significant moment in his career, as he clinched his first victory of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season by overtaking Brad Keselowski on the final lap. This win ended a 42-race drought and reinforced Elliott’s position as a formidable competitor.

Jimmie Johnson, a fellow Hendrick Motorsports veteran and seven-time Cup champion, offered encouragement and optimism regarding Elliott’s resurgence during his podcast. Johnson believes Elliott has found a winning formula and suggested that better results are ahead as their season progresses.

“The new car doesn’t necessarily fit stylistically, but Chase is gonna figure it out…I think this is the start of many good things to come.”
—Jimmie Johnson

Integral to Elliott’s recent success has been crew chief Alan Gustafson, who has faced criticism during the team’s recent winless streak but now plays a crucial role in steering the team back to victory. The combined backing of NASCAR greats like Jeff Gordon and team owner Rick Hendrick has also strengthened Elliott’s environment and performance.

“With Alan Gustafson as the leader and the support from Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick, Chad Knaus, what Hendrick has to offer, they do a really good job of putting their athletes in an environment that they will thrive in. And the relationship between Alan and Chase is an incredible one and this is just what the doctor ordered for those guys.”
—Jimmie Johnson

Johnson’s comments serve as reassurance for Elliott, who now finds himself in a competitive position to chase the Cup title once again. The dynamics within Hendrick Motorsports and the renewed synergy between driver and crew chief hint at a promising stretch for the No. 9 Chevy in the races to come.

What’s Next for Chase Elliott Both On and Off the Track?

Chase Elliott’s admission about his golfing limitations highlights the genuine friendship and rivalry he shares with Ryan Blaney, revealing a lighter side of the drivers beyond their NASCAR competition. Elliott’s intent to improve on the golf course parallels his determination to excel on the track, especially after breaking his winless streak.

With Elliott regaining his competitive momentum and receiving strong backing from his team and NASCAR legends, the 2025 season could pave the way for renewed success. Fans will be watching both his racing exploits and his friendly golf challenges with Blaney, expecting growth and spirited competition in both arenas.