Tennis golfer
Rafael Nadal
Nadal is a genuinely strong amateur golfer, not just a celebrity occasional player. The clearest published report put him at a 0.3 handicap in 2020, while more recent coverage describes him as a single-digit handicapper. His best-known competitive result is a tie for sixth in the 2020 Balearic Golf
Ask HH about Rafael Nadal
AT A GLANCE
Quick facts
- Reported handicap
- 0.3Historical 2020 report; current figure not independently verified
- Recent description
- Single-digit handicapReported by ATP in 2025
- Best known result
- T-62020 Balearic Golf Championship
- Recent result
- 8th2024 Hexagonal Q-Romia handicap category
- Notable shot
- Hole-in-oneMallorca, July 2025
- Golf hand
- Right-handedDespite playing left-handed tennis
THE STORY
What to know
Playing level
Reported near-scratch form
The European Tour reported Nadal playing off a 0.3 handicap in 2020. More recent ATP coverage uses the less precise description “single-digit handicap,” so 0.3 should be treated as a historical reported figure—not a verified current Handicap Index.
Best result
Tied sixth in a 54-hole championship
Nadal tied for sixth at the 2020 Balearic Golf Championship in Mallorca. That result matters because it came in a multi-round competitive field rather than a casual celebrity outing.
Recent competition
Eighth in a 2024 amateur circuit event
At the final event of the 2024 Hexagonal Q-Romia circuit, Nadal finished eighth in the handicap category. Reports noted birdies on two par fives and another birdie on the third hole.
Recent highlight
A hole-in-one in Mallorca
In July 2025, Nadal made a hole-in-one during a round in Mallorca. ATP also documented a golf outing with Roger Federer at Pula Golf Resort around the same period.
Swing profile
A tennis backhand in golf clothing
Nadal plays golf right-handed despite being a left-handed tennis player. Analysts have linked his distinctive two-handed-looking motion and strong rotation to the feel of his tennis backhand.
Verified video
Best video highlights to watch
The strongest verified clips are the European Tour’s swing feature, which cites his 0.3 handicap and sixth-place finish, and the PGA TOUR’s later swing analysis. ATP’s hole-in-one report adds a genuine on-course highlight.
- Rafa Nadal’s golf swing — European Tour
- Tennis legend Rafael Nadal’s UNIQUE golf swing explained — PGA TOUR
- Ace! Nadal hits hole in one in Mallorca — ATP Tour
CAREER & GOLF JOURNEY
Notable moments
Near-scratch handicap reported
European Tour coverage described Nadal as playing off 0.3.
Balearic Championship
Tied sixth in a 54-hole amateur championship.
Returned to competition
Finished eighth in the handicap category at the final Hexagonal Q-Romia event.
Mallorca golf activity
Played with Roger Federer and recorded a hole-in-one.
Continued golf interest
ATP coverage documented Nadal’s enthusiasm for golf and his appearance around the Masters.
HH take
Why this profile is worth exploring
Think of Nadal as a near-scratch-to-low-single-digit amateur at his best: far better than a celebrity golfer, but still a long way from professional tournament standard.