Ray Romano, known for his role on the TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond,” has had a successful second act in his career. He has worked on projects with big names like Martin Scorsese, had a moving performance on NBC’s “Parenthood,” and done voiceover work for the “Ice Age” films. Now, he is starring as a NASA engineer in the romcom “Fly Me to the Moon,” showcasing his range as an actor. Romano’s love for golf has been a constant in his life, providing an escape from his neurotic tendencies.
Growing up in Queens, New York, Romano started playing golf with his friends at a pitch-and-putt course in Flushing Meadows. Despite never having taken a lesson until moving to L.A., Romano has been playing for decades. He admits to struggling with bad habits in his swing and a constant battle with his 12-15 handicap. Despite working with Hank Haney on his show, Romano still sees the same flaws in his swing that have been ingrained in his game for years.
In Los Angeles, Romano enjoys playing golf at Lakeside Country Club, where he is a member. A typical day for him involves sneaking in a round of golf whenever he can, even if it means playing in front of a fivesome to speed up his game. Romano admits to having a ritual of setting a “mind bet” for himself during rounds, with real consequences if he doesn’t beat the number he sets for himself. This OCD tendency carries over into his golf game, where he plays by PGA rules and does not take any shortcuts.
Romano’s dedication to the game of golf is evident in his commitment to improving his game. Despite being 66 years old, he has not lost much distance in his shots and still hits his drive over 280 yards. During his time playing Augusta National, Romano struggled to break 100 on the challenging course but has fond memories of his experiences there. Romano shares a comical story of his wife receiving golf lessons from Hank Haney’s team, adding humor to his golfing journey.
Romano’s career has taken him from sitcom success to working with Hollywood legends like Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro. Despite the pressure of working with such acclaimed actors, Romano found the experience surreal and rewarding. His love for golf has been a constant throughout his career, providing an escape from the stresses of Hollywood. Romano acknowledges that without golf, he would be even more neurotic than he already is, highlighting the therapeutic nature of the game in his life.
