On a team of outstanding three-point shooters, J.R. Smith might currently be the best of the best. But how many of you would’ve guessed that he’s probably also the squad’s best golfer?
Smith – who’s canned at least one three-pointer in 19 consecutive games – was bitten by the golf bug about a half-dozen years ago and, like many of us, has been hooked ever since. After Friday morning’s shootaround – one day after the Master’s teed off – Smith admitted that he’s never played it, but Augusta is “definitely on my bucket list.”
In today’s The Art of … the Cavaliers long-range marksman – who currently carries a 10 handicap – takes aim at his secondary sports love out on the links …
What’s your best club or the best aspect of your game?
J.R. Smith: My best club, I’d say, is my seven iron. I can hit that probably about 175 yards.
And your worst?
Smith: My driver. Because I spray it right now.
When I’m hitting it good, I’m hitting it unbelievable. When I’m hitting it bad, it’s like I just want to hit an iron off the tee every time. I’ve got a fade thing going now; I’m trying to work it into a draw, but I think I’m just going to start playing it into my fade – just aim left and don’t fight it.
How did you get started?
Smith: Rashard Lewis had an outing in Houston. It was his first outing. And I was just riding around in the carts, just being, like, the ‘talent,’ so to speak. I was driving up on Moses Malone’s group and he was like: ‘Man, are you just gonna ride around the in the carts all day?’ And I said: ‘Yeah, I don’t play golf. It’s easy, it’s boring.’
He’s like: ‘Come on, man. Get out here!’
So I get out there, first swing, no kidding, 300 yards down the fairway. First time ever! And I said: ‘See, look? Easy, right?’ All (Moses) did was show me how to hold a club, and he just said: ‘Swing.’ So I swung … 300 yards!
So, we drive around some more, come back, he says: ‘Try it again.’ I could NOT hit it right again! But after that, I was hooked. I wanted to go buy a set of clubs that day!
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How long ago was that?
Smith: That was six years ago now. My brother used to play all the time. My brother and my dad would play and they always wanted me to play, but I was always playing basketball or football or something.
Does it surprise you that people are surprised you’re a golfer?
Smith: Yeah. I don’t look like the typical golfer. But I’m naturally gifted at multiple things, for whatever reason. Like, the guys call me a ‘professional hobbyist’ – because I play ping-pong, I play golf, I play everything. I’m really good at individual sports.
Are you combustible out there or cool, calm and collected?
Smith: I’m more cool, calm and collected. But if I get a spin going, like two or three holes in a row, and I start hitting the fade, then I’ll get HOT. But for the most part, I’m cool.
Is there any comparison to lining up a three-pointer, for example, and lining up a shot from the rough?
Smith: I’m sure there are, but I don’t really see it because I’ve naturally been playing basketball for so long that I barely think about the fundamentals anymore. But with both, it’s definitely muscle-memory. Chipping, mostly, especially if I’m around the greens.
But that’s more like shooting the mid-range game. But if my driver were like my three-pointer, man, I’d be much better.
Which pros do you like and why?
Smith: I like Rory (McIlroy). Rory’s one of my favorites. He has that determination to be the best player in the world every time he steps out there. I really enjoy watching him play. He hits it tremendously long and, I talked to him the other day, he doesn’t like putting too much. He likes crushing the ball.
Have you had time to scout any courses in the area?
Smith: No, not yet. But Firestone – that’s the one place. I’ve got to get out there.
Who do you like in the Masters?
Smith: I had two guys: Bubba (Watson) and Rory. But Jordan (Spieth) looks like he’s running away with it. Watching him play yesterday was amazing.