Justin Gaethje, former UFC interim lightweight champion and BMF champion, has revealed his passion for golf and plans to launch a YouTube golf channel as part of his growing “Press” brand.
“I’ve golfed 300 out of the last 365 days,” Gaethje disclosed during an appearance on the Makeshift Project podcast. The 36-year-old fighter has transformed his free time into an intensive golf journey that has taken him across the world.
Gaethje’s dedication to golf began unexpectedly following his fight with Max Holloway. “After I got knocked out, I literally got knocked out and I just woke up a golfer,” he joked. “Six months straight every single day after that fight.”
His newfound passion has paired perfectly with his UFC travel schedule. “Everywhere I go, I go to golf,” he explained. “UFC took me to Australia, Abu Dhabi, anywhere they go, I go. They have to fly me out there. They put me up. I just bring my clubs – free trip and golf in the morning.”
The improvement in his game has been remarkable. “A year ago when I started this journey, I was like a 16 handicap. Now I’m an eight,” Gaethje said. “I’ve gained like 100 yards on my driver. About 60 yards on every iron. It’s crazy.”
Gaethje has played approximately 200 courses in the past year, including prestigious venues like Chicago Golf Club, Olympic Club in San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, and Le Golf National in Paris (where the Olympics were recently held).
His golf routine is intense, even during fight preparations. “I have a hitting net in my basement. I make coffee in the morning, go downstairs, strike like 50 balls,” he revealed. “Even when I’m in camp, I’ll strike some balls in the morning, go work out, stop at Top Golf which is right next to our driving range, hit about 150 balls, and then I’ll go to my next workout.”
Looking toward the future, Gaethje announced his plans to leverage his UFC platform and connections for a golf-focused YouTube channel. “I’m planning on doing that through golf. Starting a YouTube channel,” he said, displaying a hat with his logo.
“It’s crazy how much respect we get from every other athlete, from every other sport,” Gaethje noted. “My ability to connect with people and get my favorite athletes, your favorite athletes, to play a game of golf with me is easier than most people would be.”
The fighter even joked about potentially leaving UFC if his golf skills continue to improve: “I’m American Century. If I place top 10 American Century, the UFC is losing me. I’m a YouTube golfer.”
While still focused on his UFC career and pursuing another title shot, Gaethje’s passion for golf continues to grow, potentially offering fans a new way to connect with the fighter outside the octagon.
