Film & TV · Golfer
Michael Peña
Michael Peña discovered golf while filming My Fellow Americans, after hearing Jack Lemmon and James Garner constantly debate the swing. He became a serious recreational player, drawn to golf’s technical difficulty, competitive challenge and the way it rewards patience. His standout golf story is a h
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AT A GLANCE
Quick facts
- Introduced to golf
- My Fellow Americans setJack Lemmon and James Garner sparked his interest.
- Reported handicap
- 4.8Listed by the USGA in 2021; not confirmed as current.
- Reported home courses
- Pelican Golf Club; Lakeside Golf ClubFrom the 2021 USGA profile.
- Signature achievement
- Hole-in-oneReported at the Bob Hope celebrity event.
- Favorite club
- PutterReported in the USGA profile.
- Golf inspiration
- Tiger WoodsPeña has discussed Woods’ impact on his enthusiasm for the game.
PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
Michael Peña highlights
2 videos
2024Random Golf Club
1v1 Matchplay with Michael Peña
2020The Late Late Show with James Corden
Michael Peña Made Putt of His Life in Front of Tiger Woods
THE STORY
What to know
HOW IT STARTED
Jack Lemmon and James Garner hooked him
At 19, Peña heard his co-stars discuss golf every day on the set of My Fellow Americans. Curious, he visited a driving range in Asheville and began learning the game.
WHY HE LOVES IT
The game keeps exposing new problems
Peña has described golf as more technical than the football, wrestling and track he played growing up. He especially admires its timing, sequencing, touch and constant challenge.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
A hole-in-one at the Bob Hope
Peña has recounted making an ace during the Bob Hope celebrity tournament, an achievement that reportedly made ESPN’s Top 10 Plays of the Day.
PLAYING LEVEL
Reported handicap: 4.8
A 2021 USGA profile listed Peña with a 4.8 Handicap Index and identified Pelican Golf Club and Lakeside Golf Club as home courses. Treat that as a dated reported figure, not a confirmed current handicap.
NOTABLE APPEARANCES
Celebrity golf with elite company
Peña has played in celebrity events including the Bob Hope, American Century Championship-related appearances and a match at Riviera Country Club involving Tiger Woods and Bubba Watson.
- Bob Hope celebrity tournament
- American Century Championship
- Riviera Country Club celebrity match
- AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am-related celebrity golf
VERIFIED VIDEO
The Tiger Woods putting story
In a verified Late Late Show clip, Peña describes being paired with Tiger Woods in a celebrity match and making what he calls the putt of his life in front of Woods.
- Michael Peña Made Putt Of His Life In Front of Tiger Woods — The Late Late Show with James Corden
- Michael Peña Has Come to Play — GQ golf feature
- Michael Peña’s Golf Swing Is Way Too Good for Hollywood — Skratch
CAREER & GOLF JOURNEY
Notable moments
First encounter
He encountered golf while filming My Fellow Americans with Jack Lemmon and James Garner.
Driving-range beginnings
He began experimenting at a local Asheville driving range.
Serious amateur development
His interest grew alongside Tiger Woods’ rise and Peña’s increasing involvement in celebrity golf.
Bob Hope ace
He recorded a hole-in-one during the Bob Hope celebrity tournament.
Tiger putting story goes public
He shared the celebrity-match anecdote on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
USGA profile
The USGA documented his golf background, reported 4.8 handicap and home courses.
HH take
Why this profile is worth exploring
Peña’s golf story feels genuine: he was pulled in by the craft of the swing, stayed for the challenge and developed into a legitimately strong amateur.