Wayne Gretzky: An Unforgettable Experience

Meeting Wayne Gretzky is always an unforgettable experience, even for journalists familiar with this sports icon. One-on-one interviews with him are rare, but when he does engage, he exudes warmth and humor, often veering away from prepared scripts—a slight worry for his publicists.

A Chat at the Ritz-Carlton

Recently, Gretzky sat down for a lengthy chat at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Montreal, where he found a quiet corner of the bar. Despite colleagues munching nearby, "The Great One" dedicated his attention to discussing his intertwined love for hockey and golf.

The Michelob Ultra Hole Challenge

Decked out in his Hockey Hall of Fame ring and a coveted Presidents Cup golf pass around his neck, Gretzky prepared for an evening event: the Michelob Ultra Hole Challenge at Golf Saint-Raphael, conveniently situated near the Royal Montreal Golf Club, where the prestigious Presidents Cup was underway.

During this challenge, both Gretzky and PGA professional Michael Block were given 45 attempts to score a hole-in-one from a distance of 90 yards. Having played thousands of rounds since his retirement from professional hockey in 1999, Gretzky cherishes a singular moment of glory: securing his only hole-in-one on New Year’s Eve 2020 at Sherwood Country Club in California.

Gretzky's Journey into Golf

Remarkably, Gretzky's journey into the golfing world began at his father's urging, highlighting how many professional hockey players leverage the sport for charitable causes. After visiting the pro shop at his local Brantford course, he found no left-handed clubs—his natural preference—leading him to play right-handed instead. "I always joke that I could be a better golfer if I'd played left-handed," he quips.

The Challenges of Golfing Under Scrutiny

At 63, Gretzky enjoys golfing, though he acknowledges its unpredictability. His nerves surface when under public scrutiny, leading him to avoid playing with spectators. "People assume I'd be a good golfer just because I was an athlete, which is far from the truth," he admits. He recounts a mishap at Pebble Beach, where an errant shot struck a bystander.

Moments with Mike Weir and Dustin Johnson

Gretzky recently shared quality moments with Mike Weir, the coach of the International Team at the Presidents Cup, reminiscing about their shared passion for the game. Additionally, his son-in-law, Dustin Johnson—an accomplished golfer in his own right—often invites him to play, but as Gretzky ages, he humorously suggests needing a younger partner to keep up.

Balancing Family Life and Golf

Living in California, Gretzky strikes a balance between family life and golf, playing three rounds weekly with his wife, actress Janet Jones. Their love story blossomed when Gretzky was a judge on the TV show "Dance Fever," culminating in a televised wedding in Edmonton back in 1988.

Camaraderie in Sports

Despite his illustrious career and celebrity status, which grants him access to golfing legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, Gretzky emphasizes the camaraderie that sports foster. He fondly recalls his visit with cancer warrior Terry Fox, where Fox's resilience and optimism left a profound impression on him.

Reflections on Life and Gratitude

As Gretzky reflects on his journey, he draws connections between his life experiences, like discussing cancer survivor Tyler McGregor, captain of Canada's sledge hockey team. "If you don't believe in God," he whispers thoughtfully, his voice trailing off with emotion.

Looking Forward to the Presidents Cup

As he gears up for the Presidents Cup and the Michelob Ultra Challenge—now in its second year—Gretzky looks content, surrounded by family and friends. He chuckles about the friendly rivalry with Block, who scored a hole-in-one on his second shot during the challenge. "I told him, 'Now everyone will think it's staged,'" he joked, maintaining his trademark humility.

Final Thoughts on Life and Family

In his final thoughts, Gretzky expresses gratitude for his life. "I truly consider myself lucky," he states. "I have five incredible children and couldn't ask for more." As one of sports' greatest symbols, Wayne Gretzky's story only seems to deepen, connecting hearts through both hockey and golf.