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18 Holes With No. 18 — Sidney Rice Finds Golf Suits Him To A Tee
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A CONVERSATION WITH TONY DEAR • SPECIAL TO CG Photo courtesy of Rod Mar/Seattle Seahawks
he story of how I got there is a long one and perhaps best told another time, but basically I stood in Sidney Rice’s basement watching him hit balls into a simulator that’s hooked up to a Trackman giving him the specifics – spin rate, club head speed, ball speed, angle of attack, smash factor, carry distance, etc., of every shot he hits. It’s an impressive set-up. This is my first time in a Super Bowl champion’s house, and it’s a strange feeling. Had I grown up a Seahawks fan, I’m sure I’d be having trouble breathing let alone speaking with the man. But I’m English so grew up with an entirely different version of football. I’ve been here long enough to know who Sidney Rice is though and, as a general sports fan, am well aware of what he has accomplished and his level of athleticism. So it’s no great surprise to pick up his 8-iron and feel just
how heavy it is versus the clubs I’m used to. Rice was born in September 1986 in Gaffney, S.C., about an hour west of Charlotte, N.C. and 150 miles north of Augusta, Ga. A natural athlete, he played both basketball and football for the Gaffney High School Indians breaking all sorts of school records. Highly sought after by a number of top football programs, Rice signed for the University of South Carolina, and again broke a number of records scoring 23 touchdowns in just two years with the Gamecocks. Drafted in 2007 by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (44th pick overall), Rice formed a potent partnership with quarterback Brett Favre, especially in 2009 when he was selected for the Pro Bowl. Rice joined the Seahawks in 2011, and over the course of the next three seasons made 97 receptions and
scored 13 touchdowns. A dominant 2012-13 season saw him start all 16 games and make perhaps his two most memorable receptions for the Seahawks, first against the New England Patriots at home where he caught Russell Wilson’s 46-yard pass for a game-winning touchdown, then two months later when he held on to another Wilson lob to clinch an overtime win against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Sadly, Rice tore an ACL in a game against the then St. Louis Rams in October 2013 (Week 8) ruling him out for the rest of the season and causing him to miss Super Bowl XLVIII. He announced his retirement from pro football in July 2014 at the age of just 27, citing multiple concussions as the reason for his decision. Clearly he needed a new challenge, even harder than the last, because he took up golf!
What have you been up to since retiring from football? “When I first retired, I spent a few years traveling the world. Currently enjoying entrepreneurship and investing. And obviously golf.”
The Seahawks were pretty good this season, but obviously didn’t win the Super Bowl. What were they missing? “I would say the main things they are missing are an offensive line. There are some pieces there that could work but need to be more consistent in protecting Russ and working together while not moving people around on the line. The other thing would be a couple of solid edge rushers.”
Do you have a regular foursome? “Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet a great group of friends that love golf just as much as I do and, between all of them, it’s pretty easy to find a foursome amongst us.”
Has ‘Super Bowl Champion’ got boring yet? Will it ever? “No, it hasn’t and I don’t think it ever will.” Do you still get recognized everywhere you go? “Surprisingly, I do get recognized quite a bit. Especially here in the Seattle area. Makes sense though because they have some of the best sports fans in the world here.” How much do you still follow football, and the Seahawks? Who are you still in touch with? “I still enjoy watching football on Sundays. Of course I’m going to follow the Seahawks and the Vikings. There are not many players that are still on the team from when I played but I do keep in touch with some of the players. Bobby Wagner is like my Little Big Brother.” 20
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Okay golf; when did you first play? “I think the first time I attempted to play golf was in a charity tournament about five years ago.” What do you like about the game? “I find golf to be very relaxing and stressful at the same time. I think it has given me my competitive edge back as well.” Where do you play, and how often? “I am a member at Aldarra Golf Club and I play as much as I can. Anywhere from one to five times a week depending on the weather.”
What are you good and bad at? “I would say I’m good at hitting the ball far and I’m getting decent with my wedges. My accuracy and consistency shows up on the card quite often.” We met at Gamble Sands. What do you think of the place? “I think Gamble Sands is amazing. What a beautiful track, wide open and hard to lose your ball. I also shot my lowest score at the time there — an 84.” We played at the new Sand Point in October. What did you like about that course? “I think Sand Point is wonderful as well. It gets tricky if you haven’t played there before. You could end up on the wrong tee box. The views are amazing and the course is obviously maintained very well.” cascadegolfer.com
