Music · Golfer
Macklemore
Macklemore’s golf story began seriously in late 2018, when a pure 5-iron from a bunker hooked him on the game. He loves golf for its shot-making highs, emotional swings, patience, camaraderie and lessons in acceptance. His journey has moved from casual Seattle rounds to breaking 80, celebrity pro-am
Ask HH about Macklemore
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts
- Golf start
- Late 2018His serious playing journey began after a memorable 5-iron.
- Reported scoring
- 78 and 79He discussed these scores in a 2021 interview.
- Historical handicap
- 11Reported by Sports Illustrated in 2021; not presented as current.
- Golf brand
- Bogey BoysGolf apparel inspired by vintage style and inclusion.
THE STORY
What to know
THE HOOK
One perfect 5-iron
Macklemore has said he randomly played after Thanksgiving in 2018, flushed a 5-iron from the sand and immediately wanted to recreate that feeling. He describes golf as both thrilling and humbling.
WHY HE PLAYS
Golf gives him a reset
He talks about the mental fortitude, patience, exercise and camaraderie of golf, along with the discipline of accepting each shot and moving on. He also sees accessibility and inclusion as important to the game’s future.
PLAYING JOURNEY
From high-80s rounds to breaking 80
In 2021, Macklemore described shooting several rounds in the high 70s, including a 78 and multiple 79s. He was approaching single-digit ability, but emphasized that progress remained the attraction.
NOTABLE APPEARANCES
Pebble Beach and beyond
He played the 2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with professional partner Lanto Griffin and later appeared in the 2021 BMW Championship Gardner Heidrick Pro-Am. He has also taken part in charity challenges connected to Pebble Beach.
- 2020 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am — partnered with Lanto Griffin
- 2021 AT&T Every Shot Counts Charity Challenge
- 2021 BMW Championship Gardner Heidrick Pro-Am
VERIFIED VIDEO
Best places to watch him talk and play golf
Two verified golf videos offer the clearest look at his personality and approach: PGA TOUR’s “Voices: Macklemore” and Golf Channel’s “Beyond the Fairway: Macklemore.” Both cover his golf passion, Bogey Boys and efforts to broaden golf’s appeal.
- Voices: Macklemore — PGA TOUR Originals
- Beyond the Fairway: Macklemore — Golf Channel
GOLF CULTURE
Bogey Boys is part of the journey
His golf clothing brand reflects his love of vintage 1970s and ’80s golf style, while also promoting a less exclusive, more expressive version of the sport. For Macklemore, looking good and making golf feel approachable are connected.
CAREER & GOLF JOURNEY
Notable moments
Golf takes hold
A pure 5-iron from a bunker after Thanksgiving becomes the moment he says he was hooked.
Pebble Beach Pro-Am
He plays alongside Lanto Griffin and experiences tournament golf under stricter conditions.
Breaking 80
He reports rounds of 78 and 79 while working toward single-digit ability.
BMW Championship Pro-Am
He participates in the Gardner Heidrick Pro-Am at Caves Valley Golf Club.
Bogey Boys expands
His golf-fashion project becomes a larger expression of his love for golf culture.
HH take
Why this profile is worth exploring
Macklemore is best understood as a genuinely obsessed improving golfer—not a polished touring celebrity. The most credible public benchmark is his reported rounds in the 70s, while older reports of an 11 handicap should be treated as historical rather than current.