Michael Jordan is not someone whose interest is just confined to the sport of basketball. The NBA star is also known to be a big golf aficionado, enjoying a game or two with his friends and being an avid watcher during various events and tournaments. Not only does he bet on the occasional game, he’s put his money where his mouth is. $20 million of it!
The $3.5 billion NBA icon has created a paradise and personal haven for golf enthusiasts like himself. However, it might come with home court advantage.
Michael Jordan has a golf-course and it’s reportedly a “slaughterhouse”
Tucked away in the corner of Hobe Sound, Florida, is Grove XXIII. It is Michael Jordan ’s very own golf course and private club, which other people can only access through invitation. It consists of an 18-hole course, a practice range, a 15,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and other facilities.
Golf designer Bobby Weed and his company, which had designed over 20 courses worldwide, were entrusted with the responsibility of making Jordan’s dream come alive. Weed took it upon himself to design a course that would remind the players of MJ’s legacy.
He ordered the construction of six artificial lakes, in order to represent the six championships that Jordan won with the Chicago Bulls. While the designer wanted to design the course in a manner that would be advantageous for everyone, the NBA champion wanted a few specifications that would cater solely to his needs.
“You don’t think I’m going to spend this much money and not have a little bit of an advantage do you?” said Weed, recalling Jordan’s words.
Renowned golfer Rickie Fowler once discussed the golf course during an interview. He highlighted how Jordan’s specifications made it very hard for any other player to defeat him on his course. Add this to the fact that MJ usually indulges in high wagers with his opponent, this led Rickie Fowler to give Grove XXIII an interesting nickname. “The nickname for it is ‘Slaughterhouse 23’.”
Another golfer who has access to the slaughterhouse is four-time major champion Rory McIlroy. While not much is known about how he performed at the course, these new details might provide a hint. The reason Mike had for building the course is quite interesting as well.
His Airness was once kicked out of a golf club
Along with the alleged ‘cheating’ aspect, Michael Jordan’s Grove XXIII may also contain a ‘revenge’ angle.
Back in 2012, Jordan used to play his occasional round of golf at the La Gorce Country Club in Miami. During one such game, the management saw the Bulls legend donning a pair of cargo pants. After playing a few holes, the personnel approached Jordan and asked him to change his lowers. Jordan allegedly wanted to complete his game before heading back to the dressing room.
This response resulted in a drastic action by the Country Club: to bar their doors on the basketball legend forever.
“We were not aware that he is not allowed to return to La Gorce. I guess it’s their loss — as MJ is a great golfer, and a great guest” said the spokesman in his statement. Shortly thereafter, Mike’s private course was built, less than 2 hours away from La Gorce.
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