Bob Sura has explained why playing golf with Michael Jordan for high stakes can be uncomfortable, pointing to the pressure that still surrounds Jordan’s competitive presence.
Bob Sura spoke about his ongoing relationship with Michael Jordan long after their NBA careers overlapped.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers guard said Jordan’s competitiveness continues to carry over into their golf games.
Bob Sura explains why golf with Michael Jordan is different
On the SubPar podcast, Bob Sura said playing golf with Michael Jordan creates situations that rarely occur with other opponents. He explained that Jordan’s presence often influences decisions during a round.
“That’s the thing about a golf game with MJ. Nobody says no to Michael. If a putt is this long, ‘Is it good?’ ‘It’s good…’”
Sura said that the level of respect still follows Jordan decades after his playing career ended, and the two have a set dynamic on the links.
Now no longer rivals in the NBA, Sura and Jordan can play golf together, even with high stakes, without things getting heated.
Why gambling against Michael Jordan makes things uncomfortable
Bob Sura also discussed the financial aspect of their golf games. He said the money involved can feel awkward despite Michael Jordan’s wealth.
“I play a little golf with him down at The Grove. We gamble a little bit. It’s tough handing a guy worth $20 billion money at the end of the round, but his golf game is pretty good. It is what it is.”
Sura added that Jordan remains competitive even as the stakes vary, eyeing a win much more than the financial gains.
“He’s still beating me up today. It’s normally like a $2000 close out, where you can win or lose $10-$15,000. He doesn’t play huge golf. I’m sure he would.“
“But him and I don’t play particularly big for my standards. I play higher stakes with other people. He obviously could afford it. He’s become a lot calmer in his older age.”
The comments highlight how Michael Jordan’s competitive reputation continues to shape interactions away from basketball.
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