Longtime Subpar listeners know that former NHL defenseman Mike Commodore is one of Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz’s favorite guests. On a recent episode, NFL quarterback Matt Ryan shared a fun story about Commodore at Whisper Rock. Ryan, along with Matthew Stafford, played 36 holes of golf with Commodore, who challenged them to drink tequila with him. After a long day of golf and drinks, they met up at a bar, and Commodore didn’t recognize them despite spending nine hours together.
Ryan has become a regular on the celebrity pro-am circuit, with a T16 finish at this year’s American Century Championship. He describes his golf game as right around scratch but admits to struggling recently, particularly with his driver. Like many former athletes, golf helps Ryan fill the competitive void left by the end of his NFL career. He enjoys the routine of practicing, going to the range, hitting balls, chipping, and putting, which he finds therapeutic.
Stoltz points out that quarterbacks, like Ryan, are used to routine and constantly working to improve, which translates well to golf. The full interview with Ryan, Stoltz, and Knost covers a range of topics, including Ryan’s Super Bowl prediction. As a four-year member of Columbia University’s inaugural class of female varsity golfers, Jessica, the Golf.com editor, is well-versed in the sport. She can out-birdie and out-hustle everyone on the masthead and is responsible for producing print and online features, overseeing major projects, and conducting interviews.
Ryan’s story about playing golf with Commodore at Whisper Rock highlights the fun and camaraderie found on the course, even among professional athletes. The competitive nature of golf appeals to former athletes looking for a new challenge after their playing careers. The routine and practice involved in golf mirror the habits that athletes, especially quarterbacks, develop during their careers. The full interview with Ryan, Stoltz, and Knost provides insight into Ryan’s post-NFL life and his love for the game of golf.
Golf serves as therapy for Ryan, providing a mental and physical outlet after years of competing at the highest level in the NFL. The social aspect of the game, as seen in his story with Commodore, adds another layer of enjoyment to the sport. Ryan’s continued involvement in celebrity pro-ams and tournaments demonstrates his passion for golf and his desire to stay competitive. Overall, golf has become a vital part of Ryan’s post-football life, providing him with a new challenge and a sense of routine and purpose.
