Hunter Mahan has decided to retire at the age of 39, despite having a great career and great moments behind him. Mahan had other plans, and decided to become a high school coach, teaching teenagers of varying abilities. In an interview with Golf Monthly, Mahan decided to look back on his long career, emphasizing that there are some things he absolutely does not miss. Although many believed that Hunter would have trouble getting used to the new lifestyle, the experienced golfer clearly has no problem with it.
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"Having to travel and do all the other things that if you want to be a professional golfer you have to do, I do not miss any of that," -Mahan said, as quoted by Golf Monthly.
Being a professional athlete requires many sacrifices and many obligations. Although many believe that the life of an athlete includes only great moments of victory, this is far from the truth. During his career, the 39-year-old wanted to balance things, devoting himself equally to his professional life and his family. However, such a thing was impossible. Mahan realized that he has to devote more time to his family, and he admits that he enjoys his current life. Living close to family is the reason Hunter is happy.
"I do like waking up in the same place every day and sort of being domesticated and being with my kids and wife. Just doing something that's very centered around them and doing the best that I can for them is where my life kind of led me and very happy to be doing what I'm doing every single day."-Hunter continued.
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Mahan is confident in his decision to retire from professional golf, but admits he misses the friends and close relationships he made during his career. He is also aware of how much effort and discipline is needed to stay at the top, so he singles out players like Rickie Fowler and Keegan Bradley who managed to get back in shape, despite the challenges of family life.
The 39-year-old has made many friends and traveled to many countries during his career, and getting used to a new lifestyle is not as easy as many people think. Although he had intentions to devote himself to his family and a different lifestyle, many things connect him to this sport.
Although he isn't thinking about returning to golf right now, Mahan thought that when he turns 50, he might consider competing on the PGA Tour Champions. With four won tournaments on the PGA Tour, he meets the requirements, but he points out that it is still too early to decide on that step. Although he won't have the attention he currently has, Hunter would definitely like to try his hand at a different world of golf after turning 50.
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Mahan knows well what it means to be a professional golfer and how much effort is required to maintain himself at a high level. He doesn't feel ready to go through that process again, because he is aware of how much it requires of him and his family.
This amazing golfer believes that it is very difficult to balance competitions at a high level and family obligations. Having watched Fowler and Bradley return to the top, he admits that such success takes a lot more energy when you have children.
Hunter Mahan on his career
He remembers a time when he was younger when he could only focus on golf and didn't have to think about anything but how to get ahead. Today, with family, it's a completely different story, which requires a completely new kind of dedication.Still, he got used to that kind of role.
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Such things best describe what it means to have a family and be a professional athlete. Many golfers pointed out this problem, but they are aware that they have to sacrifice a part of their lives in order to become what they are. Some are not ready to take such a step, and quickly give up, wanting to focus on other things.
The experienced golfer doesn't regret anything, having a great career behind him. He realized that it was time for other things, as he didn't want golf to be a priority in his life. He admitted that it is interesting to watch golf from a completely different perspective, without having any feelings of jealousy or anger towards colleagues who are doing fantastic things.
"But like I said, I just had my turn. I had my run and I enjoyed the heck out of it and I had felt as lucky as anybody to have the career that I had and that's just not on my periphery right now."- he said
