As the top pick in this year’s NBA draft, Cooper Flagg has become one of the most visible figures in the world of basketball.
He has also more quietly been developing his golf game — and using his time on the course to relax while still channeling his competitive nature.
“I like to golf. That’s kind of my de-stress, relaxation sport, competitive thing that I like to do,” Flagg told the “Today” show earlier this year.
Flagg’s parents and AAU coach helped pique his interest in the sport, according to Flagg’s longtime trainer and sometimes golf partner Matt MacKenzie. And even as the NBA rookie turns to the links as an outlet to relax, he still brings a relentless desire to improve.
“So above anything else, Cooper’s a high level competitor and he has the ability to pick up on skills ver