John Smoltz: A Golfer with a Pitching Legacy
While many recognize John Smoltz as a Baseball Hall of Famer, it turns out the 59-year-old is also an impressive golfer.
Smoltz made it to the U.S. Senior Open in 2018, and he’s looking to compete again this year. He claims his game has never been in better shape, which he attributes to improvements in his health.
“The game is at its best. The goal is always to hope the game is at its best and be able to play tomorrow,” he commented in a recent conversation. “But that’s the beauty of golf; you have to seize the moment.”
Now at 59, Smoltz has two new hips and has undergone procedures that have allowed him to do more physically. He feels confident in his abilities, especially around the greens. “If I keep improving a bit more,” he mentioned, “I can play the type of golf I aspire to.”
This year’s American Century Championship is set for July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. After finishing second last year, Smoltz is eager for a win—but he hasn’t claimed victory yet.
The tournament uses a modified Stableford scoring system, making it different from traditional stroke play. Players earn points based on their performance on each hole.
- An albatross scores 10 points
- A hole-in-one earns 8 points
- An eagle gives 6 points
- A birdie is 3 points
- A par is 1 point
- A bogey scores nothing, and being 2 over par or below results in minus 2 points.
Smoltz admitted that he didn’t start strong last year. “I was off to a slow start and had to catch up,” he reflected, explaining that while making pars is usually good, it doesn’t help him score in this tournament. “There was a moment when I made 29 pars in a row. It felt so frustrating,” he joked.
He sees his cautious approach as a key factor in his slow starts. “Birdies are crucial because they’re worth so much more. Last year, I had a great final round with several birdies, but where were they in the first round?” he wondered.
Having participated in the American Century Championship back in 2000—though that year was cut short due to Tommy John surgery—Smoltz expressed admiration for the event. “It’s a tremendous gathering,” he said. “The excitement is palpable, and everyone wants to win.” This tournament has also successfully raised over $8 million for various charities, thanks to its strong backing from American Century Investments.
Overall, Smoltz looks forward to the upcoming tournament and hopes to make this year different.
The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
An eight-time All-Star, Smoltz spent 21 years in the majors, mainly with the Braves, wrapping up his career with the Cardinals and Red Sox. He transitioned to relief pitching after his surgery, finishing with a career record of 213-155 and a 3.33 ERA, along with 154 saves.
