The Chase Elliott golf rivalry with Ryan Blaney continues to draw attention, as Elliott recently divulged his experiences and challenges on the golf course in an open discussion with NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck. Friendly competition between the two drivers has ignited a new rivalry away from the racetrack, revealing the intense but good-natured spirit that fuels their off-track interactions.
NASCAR’s Growing Interest in Golf
In recent years, an increasing number of NASCAR drivers have begun to embrace golf, trading the adrenaline of the track for the tranquility of the fairway. Chase Elliott, known primarily for his prowess behind the wheel, stepped into this trend in earnest last year. His transition to the golf course highlighted a competitive streak that extended beyond racing, as he quickly became invested in improving his skills.
Facing Blaney’s Friendly Taunts and the Reality of the Game
Elliott acknowledged in his conversation with Gluck that he developed a fiercely competitive mindset in his first attempts at golf, but soon found himself outmatched. Ryan Blaney, his fellow competitor and friend, did not hesitate to tease him, intensifying the rivalry.
During an interview, Blaney directed a playful jab at Elliott:
When are you ever going to get better at golf, and how many hours will you have to put in to get to my level?
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Driver
Elliott answered with humor and self-awareness, remarking,
Wow! Wow. It’s a valid question,
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver and admitted to fluctuations in his progress.
I go through these little pockets where I get better, and then I fall back apart again.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
He continued, reflecting on their matches and the challenge Blaney presents:
For the record, I’ve hung with him a few times. I’m not as good as him… I’d love to get out more and play and try to give him a run. But listen, I want to be able to go beat him. There’s nothing like going to play somebody like him who’s going to give you a bunch of crap for it and him have to give me strokes. That just sucks. So maybe one day. We’ll keep chipping at it,
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Golf as a Personal Escape for Elliott
Chase Elliott has previously described his early struggles with golf in conversations with Dale Earnhardt Jr., recalling how unfamiliar he was when he first picked up a club. However, golf soon became more than just a hobby. For Elliott, the sport offered a welcome escape from the relentless demands of NASCAR, providing a balance between competition and relaxation.
Blaney’s Rising Passion for Golf
Ryan Blaney’s journey into golf began during the COVID lockdowns, as he revealed during a podcast interview with ESPN 101. Despite coming from a family with little exposure to the game, Blaney quickly developed a deep enthusiasm for the sport. He has since become an active participant, regularly hosting tournaments and encouraging fellow NASCAR drivers to join him on the course.
Elliott’s PGA Experience and Social Media Presence
Before the Texas race in May, Elliott visited the PGA Headquarters and shared the moment on Instagram. He captioned his photo series:
Made a quick trip to @pga HQ yesterday before we get to racin’️.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver. The post reflected not only his growing connection to the sport, but also how important these new challenges are for him away from the racetrack.
The Ongoing Rivalry and Its Broader Impact
The friendly rivalry between Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney has enriched both their personal lives and the culture among NASCAR drivers, inspiring others to join the golf course camaraderie. As Elliott continues to pursue improvement and Blaney remains an enthusiastic champion of the greens, their playful competition is likely to drive more drivers into this off-track pursuit. For now, the Chase Elliott golf rivalry with Ryan Blaney stands as a testament to how competitive instincts can evolve, fostering new friendships and passions beyond motorsports.
