Stroke on the Water: The “Big Fore” of Heavy Metal Golfers

By Joe Novak

When you think of heavy metal musicians, it might conjure up images of long-haired rockers, leather jackets, and guitar riffs that make your ears bleed. On the other hand, when you think of golfers, you might picture a more subdued crowd, with polo shirts and khakis, and a polite clap after sinking a putt.

But what if we told you that there’s a group of individuals who have found a way to blend these two seemingly disparate worlds? That’s right, we’re talking about “The Big Fore” of heavy metal golfers.

Be warned: terrible puns ahead.

#4: K. K. Downing (Judas Priest)

Hellbent(grass) for Leather! This legendary shredder resides in Astbury Hall, Shropshire, England, where he has not only designed and built an entire 18-hole golf course on the expansive grounds surrounding his home (anyone jealous?), but used his facility and All Funds Blazing attitude towards fundraising to host many a charity golf tournament, benefiting local and global causes. K. K. can still be found out on the links to this day, Swinging for Vengeance.

#3: Eddie Van Halen

Ain’t Talkin ’bout Davis Love here. Probably the most influential hard rock and heavy metal guitarist to ever live, Eddie and his brother/bandmate Alex Van Halen originally picked up their clubs and started making Atomic Putts as something to do to kill time while drinking a prodigious amount of beer – something we’re sure no one reading this can relate to. He famously appeared alongside Tom Kite and President Gerald Ford at the Bob Hope Classic in 1994, and although Eddie may have already played his last round, we think he’d agree that the best time to get out and play your next round is Right Now.

#2: Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden)

It’s Two Minutes to Tee Time! Despite being the drummer of one of the most iconic, best-selling heavy metal bands of all time, and having an absolutely relentless touring schedule, McBrain always makes time to sneak in a round, usually with his bandmate, guitarist Dave Murray. He was also featured on golf reality TV show “Livin’ The Dream,” originally broadcast on GolfJam.tv. Let your Aces Fly and Hallowed Be Thy Game!

#1: Alice Cooper

Hey Stoopid! We couldn’t top this list any other way than with the most well-known golf superfan of the entire scene. Cooper has not only turned his decades-long obsession with the game into a Billion Dollar Baby with his 2007 autobiography “Alice Cooper: Golf Monster” and Callaway endorsements, he also credits golf with being a pivotal part of overcoming his alcohol addiction in the mid-80s. It’s a good thing School’s Out Forever, because Cooper claims to play up to six days a week while also competing in numerous pro/am events. We’re not worthy!

Hopefully, this curated list is proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover. The aesthetic of heavy metal might seem at odds with the polite world of golf, but as these individuals have shown, it’s all about finding your own path and expressing yourself in your own unique way. Whether you’re shredding on stage in front of thousands of headbanging fans or hitting the links, there’s no reason why you can’t embrace both worlds. So next time you’re out on the golf course and hear the faint hint of metal in the distance, throw up your horns, grab your Holy Driver, and pray your next shot doesn’t Enter Sandtrap!

Click an icon to browse photos of “The Big Fore of Heavy Metal Golf”!