"I would love to give him a lesson": Rory McIlroy agrees to teach LeBron James golf tips
via Usta
260410 -- AUGUSTA, April 10, 2026 -- Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts during the round 1 of the 2026 Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, the United States, on April 9, 2026. SPU.S.-AUGUSTA-GOLF-2026 MASTERS-ROUND 1 WuxXiaoling PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
Rory McIlroy is one of the biggest stars in golf, but he is willing to take on a student. And that student just happens to be NBA legend LeBron James, thus paving the way for a huge crossover between the two sports.
Ahead of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, McIlroy spoke to the media, during which he was questioned about which celebrity he would give golf lessons to. He quickly named James as his pick.
"LeBron's really gotten into golf, and he's the most unbelievably gifted athlete, but it doesn't look like it when he's on the golf course," He said via the PGA Tour on Instagram. "So, I'd love to give him a lesson."
LeBron James' interest in the sport is nothing new. Over the years, he has developed a love for golf, with multiple indoor golf facilities offering him free access to their facility. And now he might have McIlroy giving him some tips to sharpen his skill for the sport.
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Rory McIlroy NIR walks from the third green during Round 3 of the 154th Open Championship at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport on July 18, 2026 in Merseyside, England The 154th British Open Championship
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Rory McIlroy NIR walks from the third green during Round 3 of the 154th Open Championship at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport on July 18, 2026 in Merseyside, England The 154th British Open Championship
Shortly after the PGA Tour clip was posted on social media, James was quick to respond to McIlroy’s offer. The NBA Star posted the video to his Instagram story with a caption.
"Well guess what! I'm in for that lesson FOR SURE!!" He wrote, adding a grinning emoji.
Earlier this year, while talking to Melissa Rohlin of the California Post, James revealed that golf was something he had taken up because he loved the sport's challenging nature.
"I love how difficult it is. I love a challenge," James said in the interview with Rohlin.
With James already accepting McIlroy’s offer, what remains to be seen is when the two stars finally meet at a golfing course.
In the meantime, Rory McIlroy will be focusing on the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Rory McIlroy has a disastrous start to the FedEx St. Jude Championship
McIlroy went up against the World No.1 Scottie Scheffler on August 13th at TPC Southwind, and his performance was far from a success.
The 2026 Masters winner made a bogey on the par-five at the third hole and immediately tried to follow it up with a birdie at the par-3 in the fourth.
However, he had another bogey on the par-3 eighth, which left him 1-over at the turn. The Northern Ireland player showed brief signs of improvement as he made a birdie on the 11th and a 15-foot putt to return to even par.
But this did not last long and things began going south for McIlroy. According to GolfMagic, it was the final hole that sealed his fate for the day as his tee shot found the water. He eventually made a double bogey to finish with a 4-over 74.
Do you think the Northern Irishman can bounce back from this setback in the upcoming rounds? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco
Edited by
Arundhoti Palit