Haotong Li has revealed what NBA legend Yao Ming is really like on the golf course.
The 30-year-old is the only Chinese golfer on the PGA Tour, so he is a huge inspiration to many of his countrymen.
His unique position also means that he receives invites to occasions like Ming’s charity golf day.
Having played together, Li can now share how Ming’s golf game compares to his legendary basketball career.
Haotong Li comments on Yao Ming’s golf game
Yao Ming is probably the most high-profile Chinese athlete in American sports history, with eight NBA All-Star appearances.
So, many fans will be interested to know whether he is also a good golfer, like many past and present NBA stars are.
Well, unfortunately, Li did not hold back in his honest assessment of Ming’s struggles on the golf course.
“Oh my. Can I go -10? Dude, that swing weight was so heavy and so long, it doesn’t make any sense,” Li told Smylie Kaufman in a hilarious interview.
“Actually, the other Chinese basketball player, called Yi Jianlian, who used to play for the Nets, is a lot better golfer.
“Actually, Yao Ming told me in one pro-am that he absolutely hates this game. He doesn’t even know why he’s there.”
There is no doubt that Ming’s height (7’6”) must make it more difficult to produce a smooth golf swing.
Haotong Li compares Yao Ming’s golf to his basketball ability
Haotong Li openly admitted that he finds basketball as difficult as Yao Ming finds golf.
The four-time DP World Tour winner used to play basketball as a child, but he no longer has much ability.
“I couldn’t even shoot,” he said. “I couldn’t even hoop. I suck, man. Dude, I actually played alright when I was like 10 years old.
“Since I picked up golf, I’m so bad. I would say my [basketball] handicap is similar to Yao Ming’s golf skill.”
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