Rafael Nadal left golf players and fans in shock after a video emerged of the tennis legend taking on TPC Sawgrass.
Nadal recently bid an emotional farewell to Roland Garros, where he won a record 14 titles during an incredible career on clay.
The Spaniard, 39, retired from tennis last year and he recently swapped the court for the course, playing a round at Sawgrass.
Nadal took on the 18 holes that host the Players Championship every year – including the iconic 17th with its island green and picturesque views.
Reports claim the Spaniard is a scratch golfer but his swing left many fans – and even players – baffled on Tuesday.
Despite being one of the most destructive left-handers in history, Nadal plays golf right handed. His technique, meanwhile, reminded many of his brutal double-handed backhand.
Rafael Nadal left golf fans in shock after a video emerged of him taking on TPC Sawgrass
The Players posted a clip of Nadal’s trip to Sawgrass and the footage quickly went viral. ‘Guy turned his backhand into a golf swing… pretty crazy move haha, wrote PGA Tour star Michael Kim.
Those thoughts were echoed by many fans on social media. ‘That swing is wild,’ one wrote. ‘Looks like he’s hitting a backhand,’ said another.
‘Every swing I pictured a racket in his hands,’ said a third, while a fourth added: ‘Playing to scratch with that move is the proof he’s one of the most athletic humans to walk the earth.’
The former world No 1 won 22 grand slams during a remarkable career that saw him tussle with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in one of the greatest eras in history.
‘Being for the first time here, it’s an amazing feeling,’ he said during his round at Sawgrass.
‘It’s crazy because on TV I see the 17th green and it looks much bigger than when you are here.’
Later, when approaching on the daunting tee box, he added: ‘Imagine being here, the last day, playing this shot… it’s pressure. I can feel that!’ But Nadal nevertheless appeared to make par on the tough 17th.
