Carlos Alcaraz is the best tennis player on the planet, and at 22 years old is already one of the all-time greats.
By winning the Australian Open against Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz became the youngest ever player to win all five tennis Grand Slams. The sky is the limit for the young Spaniard.
But tennis isn’t his only sporting love. When he’s not dominating the tennis courts at a level we have never seen from someone his age, he’s on the golf course, and has played with a number of tennis and golfing greats.
He knows what it takes to make it at the highest level in tennis, and he’s witnessed first-hand the level of a professional golfer. Alcaraz played with Jon Rahm in a Pro-Am before the Spanish Open last year.
With that said, he gave his verdict on which is harder, tennis or golf.
Carlos Alcaraz says if tennis is more difficult than golf
Alcaraz has played both golf and tennis extensively, and few are better positioned to make a judgment on which is harder than him.
Speaking to Bryson DeChambeau on his YouTube channel, Alcaraz said it’s harder to make it to the top of tennis than it is with golf.
He said, “I always say that I think it’s easier to learn how to play tennis than golf to a level that you can enjoy.
“But as a professional, I think it’s more difficult to get in the top 100 in the world in tennis.”
So, according to Alcaraz, if you’re looking for a sport to play casually, tennis is better for you. But for those looking to try their luck against the best players on the planet, golf is their best bet.
What is Carlos Alcaraz’s golf handicap?
Alcaraz, known for his dominance on the tennis court, has developed a reputation as an avid and surprisingly skilled golfer. As of 2025, according to the Royal Spanish Golf Federation’s Handicap Service, Alcaraz holds an impressive handicap of 11.2.
This figure is particularly notable given the limited time his professional tennis career allows for golf.
Alcaraz frequently uses golf as a mental escape during high-pressure tournaments, famously playing a round with Sergio Garcia during the 2025 US Open and with Andy Murray during Wimbledon to help disconnect.
The tennis star has also competed against other athletes. He shared a 1-1 tie in rounds with Murray, and at the Spanish Open, he stunned spectators with a 190-yard iron shot that landed just three meters from the hole.
While he admits he is still trying to catch up to the scratch-level skills of peers like Casper Ruud, his rapid progression has impressed both PGA coaches and legends like Roger Federer.
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