For decades, Owen Wilson was the guy you’d expect to see on a surfboard or a tennis court, not pacing a tee box with a rangefinder. His vibe was always more "laid-back beach bum" than "country club regular." But lately, if you’ve been following the Hollywood grapevine or catching him on Apple TV+, you might’ve noticed a shift.
The question of whether Owen Wilson plays golf has a surprisingly layered answer.
Honestly, for most of his life, the answer was a flat no. Despite growing up in a family where golf was practically a religion—his father, Robert, was a stickler for the game, and his brothers Andrew and Luke were lifelong sticks—Owen stayed away. He had a pretty relatable excuse, too. He’s left-handed. As a kid in Dallas, he claims there were never any lefty clubs lying around, so he just... didn't play.
That all changed recently. It wasn't a sudden mid-life crisis that got him into the game, but a job.
Does Owen Wilson Play Golf in Real Life or Just for TV?
The transformation started in May 2023 when Wilson signed on to executive produce and star in the comedy-drama series Stick. In the show, he plays Pryce "Stick" Cahill, a former pro whose career imploded twenty years ago after a very public meltdown at TPC Sawgrass.
Wilson realized pretty quickly that he couldn't just "act" like a pro golfer. The sport is too technical. Fans would spot a fake swing from a mile away. So, he did what any perfectionist would do: he actually learned the game.
He started taking intensive lessons with PGA Tour pro Nathan Leonhardt to prepare for the role. Leonhardt recently mentioned that Owen was a "great, great guy" who eventually became a "really good player." It wasn't just about the swing, either. Wilson spent months at various clubs in Vancouver and Maui, soaking up the culture and the "dialogue" of the course.
The Maui "Shank" and the First Tee Jitters
One of the most human things about Owen's journey is how he actually started playing "for real." Even after months of private coaching, he was terrified of the first tee.
He eventually ventured out for a public round with his neighbor in Maui—basketball Hall-of-Famer Don "Nellie" Nelson. Imagine being a beginner and having to tee off in front of a legend and a crowd of onlookers. Owen admits he was incredibly self-conscious. And, in classic beginner fashion, he shanked his very first drive right in front of everyone.
Instead of retreating back to his trailer, he laughed it off. That moment seemed to be the turning point where he went from "learning for a role" to becoming a bona fide golf addict.
What Kind of Golfer is Owen Wilson?
If you're looking for a handicap index, you won't find one officially listed yet, but we can piece together his skill level from various interviews:
- The "Scrambler" Tag: His friends in Australia actually gave him golf balls printed with the phrase "Scrambling Man." Apparently, he’s great at getting "up and down" (saving par even when he misses the green), a trait he says he inherited from his late father.
- His Favorite Club: He’s gone on record saying he’s a "good putter" and feels most comfortable with an 8-iron.
- Left-Handed Struggle: He finally got himself a set of left-handed clubs, which solved the childhood hurdle that kept him off the course for 50 years.
Why the Sport Changed His Perspective
Taking up golf wasn't just an athletic pursuit for Wilson; it was emotional. His father, Robert Wilson, battled Alzheimer’s before passing away in 2017. Robert had spent years trying to get Owen to play.
"I finally have," Owen told Golf Digest recently, noting that he can still hear his dad’s voice in his head telling him to learn the game. He’s found a way to connect with his father’s memory through the sport, often reflecting on how his father’s "scrambling" personality in life matched his style on the golf course.
It’s kind of a "back nine in life" realization for him. He’s 56 now and says he sees this sport carrying him all the way to the "19th hole."
Owen Wilson’s Presence in the Pro World
You might spot him at actual PGA Tour events now, and not just as a spectator. During the filming of Stick at Pitt Meadows Golf Club, he was frequently seen sneaking away in a golf cart between takes to work on his chipping.
The show itself features cameos from some of the biggest names in the sport, including:
- Collin Morikawa
- Keegan Bradley
- Max Homa
- Wyndham Clark
Wilson spent a lot of time "soaking up" their habits. He isn't just playing on weekends; he’s become a fixture at local Maui courses and has even expressed a "bucket list" desire to play iconic spots like Adare Manor in Ireland (the 2027 Ryder Cup host) and Augusta National.
Actionable Takeaways for New Golfers
Owen Wilson’s late-in-life obsession proves a few things that any aspiring golfer should take to heart.
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Don't Fear the First Tee If an Oscar-nominated actor can shank a drive in front of a crowd and keep going, you can too. Everyone shanks it. The "jitters" are part of the game’s charm.
Get the Right Gear Wilson’s 40-year delay was mostly because he didn't have left-handed clubs. If you're struggling, check your equipment. A simple fitting can change your entire relationship with the sport.
Play to Your Strengths You don't need a 300-yard drive to enjoy the game. Wilson focuses on his putting and his 8-iron. Find the "comfort club" in your bag and lean on it when the pressure is on.
Connect with the Social Side Golf is rarely about the score for guys like Wilson. It's about the "island mates," the family memories, and the "scrambling" through life together.
Owen Wilson does play golf, and he plays it with the same quirky, enthusiastic energy he brings to his movies. He’s gone from a total novice to a self-proclaimed "junkie" in less than two years. Whether he’s hitting it "straighter and longer" or just trying to get out of a bunker, he’s officially part of the club.
To improve your own game like Owen did, start by booking a lesson with a local PGA professional rather than trying to self-teach through YouTube; the "flow-state" Wilson talks about is much easier to find with a coach correcting your grip in real-time.