George Kittle’s Distinct Golf Favorite: The Enduring Appeal of an Iconic Nike Driver

George Kittle’s Distinct Golf Favorite: The Enduring Appeal of an Iconic Nike Driver

The final day of this year’s Tight End University featured a sport that diverged from the usual football activities. Co-founders Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen believed this alternative would foster camaraderie among participants.

Kittle noted, “We recognized how Nashville summers can be blisteringly hot. We didn’t want the guys on the field two days straight. So, what’s a good way to bring everyone together? Golf. Everyone loves golf.” He shared this insight with Fox News Digital before hitting the greens at Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, just outside Nashville.

Despite the sweltering Tennessee heat, Kittle was enthusiastic about playing with friends, including Kelce, Olsen, and his coach, Jon Embree. Their group might have needed ear protection whenever it was Kittle’s turn to tee up.

His attachment to a particular driver creates quite a stir. The sound produced resembles that of an aluminum baseball bat rather than the more muted tones of today’s golf equipment.

The Unique Nike SasQuatch Sumo2

Kittle’s choice is the Nike SasQuatch Sumo2, commonly known as the “Sasquatch.” Although manufacturing ceased long ago, the driver’s square face and striking black-and-yellow design make it stand out. Its unique features match Kittle’s dynamic personality.

Even with advances in golf technology resulting in superior drivers, Kittle remains loyal to this classic model. He elaborated on his decision to stick with it since 2014.

Kittle recalled his struggles as a golfer. “I was a really bad golfer in college. I didn’t own quality clubs,” he explained, illustrating why he has an unwavering fondness for this older driver. “A college friend of mine, Brant Gressel, an Iowa Hawkeye defensive lineman, had great equipment. He experienced a tough game and ended up tossing the Sasquatch into the woods.”

He continued, “I asked him, ‘Can I have that?’ He replied, ‘If you can find it, it’s yours.’ I walked into the woods, retrieved it, and it became my driver since 2014. I keep it straight, it makes a fantastic noise, and it’s an excellent conversation starter because people are intrigued by it. As long as it works for me, that’s all that counts.”

Kittle described the distinctive sound it makes as “cleansing.” He smiled at the thought of it alarming fellow golfers three holes away.

A Nostalgic Connection to the Game

For Kittle, the noise represents a nostalgic connection to his youth. “It reminds me of tee ball in sixth grade,” he said. “What could be better than going out with friends and hitting balls around? I genuinely love it. If someone doesn’t appreciate this driver, I consider that heresy, and it deserves punishment.”

Understanding that this driver is no longer available, Kittle took proactive measures to ensure he wouldn’t need to replace it. He didn’t want to risk transitioning to a modern driver and re-learning what suited his swing.

His foresight led him to procure several backups. “I searched on eBay and found about six of them, and I bought all of them,” he shared, with laughter. This approach mirrors how some football players cling to favorite cleats or gloves. If something works well, why change it?

Golf as a Recreational Escape

For Kittle, golf transcends mere scores. It represents a relaxed atmosphere where enjoyment takes precedence. While he embodies competitive spirit on the football field, this golf outing during Tight End University was about cherishing moments with peers before the demanding NFL training camp begins.

“Overall, it was a fantastic experience. Just getting out here, enjoying some Bud Lights, and really grateful to Hermitage for hosting us today,” Kittle commented, reflecting on the camaraderie of the event.

This day of golf not only served as a break from strenuous training but also helped to reinforce bonds among players, making it a memorable conclusion to the Tight End University experience. As they prepare for the upcoming season, moments like these create lasting memories and foster relationships that carry through the rigors of NFL life.