Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale was spotted playing in the Pebble Beach professional and amateur pairing golf tournament over the past weekend. It comes shortly after the Welshman announced his retirement from football, hanging up his boots after the World Cup with Wales.
The forward won 22 trophies in his time as a player, standing out in most of the sides he was involved in and became a national hero along the way. “My decision to retire from international football has been by far the hardest of my career,” Bale said in his statement. “My journey on the international stage is one that has changed not only my life but who I am.”
It remains to be seen exactly what retired life will be like for Bale as he leaves the playing world of football behind, but it hasn't taken him long to be back in the public eye again. He featured in the weekend's Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament out in California as part of a celebrity group of players.
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Bale became well known in Madrid during his time at Real for playing golf in his spare time while shunned from first-team action. His passion has continued to burn on now he has more free time as he was paired with professional golfer Joseph Bramlett, finishing the tournament at 16 under par.
Bale and Bramlett narrowly missed making the final round of the competition that resumes on Monday, finishing joint-16th overall. Discussing the experience, the 33-year-old said: "The last couple of weeks have been amazing. People giving me compliments on my game is incredible, they have put a bit too much pressure on my shoulders!
"I am a big golf fan and appreciate what these players do on the golf course. It is great to play with them, interact and watch what they do. Just watching him (Bramlett) strike a ball is something else. The power, the touch. He has been incredible and he is an even better guy, which is more important. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."
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