Gareth Bale, who has just retired from the PGA, shone in his first day as he hit 65 with an amazing cart path shot.
After the World Cup in 2010, the 33-year old retired from football, ending an illustrious 17-year career.
Bale is a golfer who has always loved to play. He has therefore decided to compete at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The event is being held in conjunction with 156 professionals and 156 amateurs.
Bale and Bramlett, a former Korn Ferry Tour Championship champion, started the day with a score of seven-under par 65 on the Spyglass Hill Course.
Bale, the former Real Madrid and Tottenham ace, had a memorable day when he made a par-saving save on the cart path from the greenside.
The five-time Champions League champion bumped the chip up to three feet.
Bale is “more concerned” than the shot itself about how he got on that path.
He said: “I’m more concerned about how I ended up [on this path] but I suppose a lot amateurs end up in that situation.
“It was an excellent shot, and I tried to play it into the bank hoping for the best as most amateurs tend to do.
“It’s nice to see the ball roll up so close. He was almost at par, so I said ‘I’ll pick it up.’ But he forced me to putt because he thought it would be a great up-and down.”
“I finished nicely and it was an excellent shot, I really can’t say much more.”
Bale admitted that he was nervous about making his PGA debut, despite having a two-handicap and being used to performing in pressure situations.
He replied: “Yes, I was definitely nervous.”
“I’m sure every amateur would tell you that they are not comfortable, even though it is normal to play in front of 80.000 or more people on live TV. It’s a totally different sport.
It was a unique experience and I got lucky to hit my best shot down the first fairway, which was great.”
Bramlett has known Bale for over a year, and is eager to continue learning from the 34-year old.
Bale said, “We have been talking over the past year. We met about a month ago.
“I told him last week: Let’s get ready for this week. He played well last week.
“He’s a world-class athlete.” You can learn a lot from watching these players. They show you how they work and what they do.
It is nice to observe and learn about their behavior, their focus, and their demeanor.
It is not what we are used to, but it is very similar to my job. “We have many similarities, and it was great to play with him today.”
