Harry Kane sits down with Rick Shiels and chats all things golf

Off the pitch, Kane is a highly skilled golfer, boasting a handicap of 3.7. For him, golf provides a much-needed escape from the pressures of professional football.

"I'm a decent golfer. I think I'm a 3.7 at the moment, but I've not been able to put any scorecards in while in Munich. I feel like the last couple of years I've not been as good, but I can hold my own," Kane shared.

Kane began playing seriously at the age of 14, and by 18, he was obsessed with improving. He recalled one transformative summer where his handicap dropped from 18 to 10: "I had six weeks off with no football tournaments and just played golf every day. That's when I really caught the bug, and I've been working on it ever since."

Although football is his priority, golf remains a strong passion: "I've been around a 4 handicap for a while, but it's hard to get lower when you don't have the time to practise. I'm playing maybe once a month or once every six weeks, and that can be frustrating. I'm someone who wants to improve at everything, so having a bad day on the course can be pretty demoralising."

"My game used to be all power. I would just smash the ball really far, but then I started working with someone to get more consistent. I was hitting it far, but sometimes it was all over the place."

Playing with Tiger Woods: A Dream Come True

One of the defining moments of Kane's golfing journey was playing alongside Tiger Woods, widely considered the greatest golfer of all time. Kane described the surreal experience of unexpectedly joining Woods for two rounds in the Bahamas.

"I was out in the Bahamas, and a golf pro I knew casually said, 'Oh, by the way, I'm playing with Tiger this afternoon. Want to join?' It was one of those moments where I just thought, 'Yeah, of course!' It's surreal."

The encounter went beyond just golf. Kane recalled how they connected on a personal level:

"We teed it up, and I hit a decent drive into the fairway. Tiger was walking, coming back from his injury, and I was in a buggy. We didn't speak much on the course at first, but later we got chatting about family and life. He asked me to play 18 holes with him the next day, and it was incredible. I didn't play great, but Tiger shot six-under. I kind of knew before anyone else did that he was back to playing really well!"

Why Reflo? Kane’s Commitment to Understanding More About Sustainability

Kane’s love for golf has also led to a partnership with Reflo, a sustainable golf apparel brand that aligns with his values. For Kane, Reflo was more than just a typical endorsement - it was a chance to back a company that shares his concerns for the planet’s future.

"Reflo came about a couple of years ago. I was looking for a golf brand that I could align with because I love my golf, and I wanted something where I could have a bit of input. Reflo just fit really well with me as a person and what I stand for," Kane explained.

The sustainability aspect of the partnership was particularly appealing to Kane, who is increasingly mindful of the world his children will grow up in:
"Everything they’re doing is for the good of the planet. With four kids, I’m always thinking ahead about what the world is going to look like in the future. I don’t know loads about sustainability, but I’m trying to understand more, and Reflo has been really good in helping me with that."

The Competitive Spirit: Why Footballers Love Golf

Kane also shed light on why so many footballers are drawn to the game of golf. For him, golf offers a way to maintain the competitive spirit that's ingrained in footballers, even during their off-time.

"Footballers lend themselves to being really good golfers. The hand-eye coordination, the fitness, the strength. And there's a competitive element too. You want to beat the other players, and it lends itself so nicely to golf."

He mentioned that even some of his teammates, like Bayern Munich's Thomas Müller, share the same obsession with the sport:

"Thomas Müller is obsessed with golf—probably more than me! He's got great energy and would be a perfect addition to any golf group."

The Influence of YouTube Golf

Kane acknowledged the growing popularity of golf among footballers, partly due to the rise of YouTube golf content:

"You get a lot of time away in hotels, and lads are always trying to find things to watch. YouTube Golf has exploded over the last few years, and I think it's inspired a lot of players to take up the game. It's a great way to switch off from the pressures of football and spend a few hours relaxing."

Looking Ahead

While football remains Kane's primary focus, golf is a passion that continues to challenge and motivate him. His partnership with Reflo reflects a deeper commitment to thinking beyond sport and contributing positively to the world. Whether he's leading England or teeing off with the likes of Tiger Woods, Kane is dedicated to making the most of every opportunity.

Watch the full episode of the Rick Shiels YouTube here.