Erling Haaland and golf: why the City star almost turned pro

The fact that Erling Haaland and golf have a special connection was previously only known to insiders. While Manchester City's "goal machine" regularly pulverizes records on the pitch, a recent video on his YouTube channel shows that the Norwegian also knows how to handle the little white ball. But behind the relaxed shots under the Spanish sun lies a story of paternal ambition and an almost forgotten youthful career.

Erling Haaland and golf: the "forced" passion

The fact that Erling Haaland plays golf at a remarkable level is no coincidence. In a recent interview on "The Rest Is Football" podcast with Gary Lineker, the star striker revealed that his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, originally had completely different plans for him: "His biggest dream was for me to become a professional golfer. That was his absolute dream," said Haaland.

Between the ages of ten and thirteen, today's world star was literally "forced" to be on the course every week. This solid basic training is still visible in his drive today. Even though Erling ultimately opted for soccer - a choice that his father now describes as "the right one" in view of his success - his love of the sport has remained.

Video: Erling Haaland plays golf in Spain

The "Bubba Watson" of soccer: powerful and unconventional

In his latest YouTube video, the Norwegian gives us an insight into a private round in Spain. It quickly becomes clear that Erling Haaland's golf style is similar to his appearance on the soccer pitch - physical, direct and extremely powerful. Without much of a warm-up ("I just go and drive"), he reaches for his Bubba Watson Driver and regularly sends the ball flying into spheres that are otherwise only known from long hitters.

A particular highlight of the round: a huge drive of around 280 meters, which almost allowed him to putt for an Eagle. Haaland himself compares the feeling of success on the Fairway to his main job: "It's almost the same feeling as scoring a goal".

Handicap check: How well does Erling Haaland play golf?

Although no official, daily updated handicap is listed for the striker, the data from the video is very revealing. On a 9-hole round (in scramble format with friends), he ended up with a score of 4 over Par. His ability to consistently hit the ball a long way and keep his nerve even under pressure - for example with difficult putters - leads experts to believe that Erling Haaland's golf handicap is likely to be in the range of a reasonable amateur, provided he practices regularly.

Golf is a good balance for Erling Haaland

For the 25-year-old, the sport is more than just a pastime. In a world of high-performance sport, playing golf provides the necessary mental balance. "Golf is more of an individual game and not as physically demanding. It's a good counterbalance to soccer," explains Haaland in the video.

Will we see him on the Senior Tour after his active career as a footballer? The technical basics and the irrepressible will to win are certainly there. Until then, however, he will continue to make headlines in the penalty area rather than in the Bunker.