Andy Murray takes first step into dream new sports career after retiring from tennis

Andy Murray called time on his tennis career after competing at the Olympic Games - and now the 37-year-old Scot is hoping to improve his skills with a golf club

Andy Murray will show off his skills in a new sport just weeks after retiring from tennis.

Murray called time on his illustrious tennis career after he and Dan Evans were beaten in the men’s doubles at the Olympic Games on August 1. He is now in the early stages of retired life, but as a hugely competitive sportsperson, he is not just relaxing and looking after his four children.

The 37-year-old has been spending more time embracing another of his passions: golf. His bio on Twitter used to simply read : “I play tennis”. Now it reads: “I played tennis. I now play golf.” And a recent post on his Instagram story showed a slow-motion video of his swing, with the caption: “First ever golf lesson today on the journey to become a scratch golfer. Any tips welcome.”

Murray has now been given a prominent platform to test himself, having been confirmed as a player at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth later this month. He will play in the Pro-Am event on September 18, alongside the likes of ex-footballer Gareth Bale, ex-cricketers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad and Spider-Man actor Tom Holland.

His new obsession with golf was revealed by Evans after their defeat in Paris last month. Asked what Murray would do after tennis, Evans replied: "Play golf. We played before we left and you guys know what he’s like – he will be pretty competitive and into that, I imagine."

Murray won three Grand Slams during his tennis career, but has been forced to retire due to injuries, with back surgery this year adding to his metal hip. Speaking at his emotional tribute on Centre Court at Wimbledon in July, he said: "I would love to keep playing but I can't physically it's too tough. All the injuries have added up.

"I want to play forever, I love the sport. It's given me so much, taught me loads of lessons over the years that I can use in the rest of my life. I don't want to stop, so it's hard." Golf clearly provides a more body-friendly way to exercise and satisfy his competitive nature.

Image: Instagram/@andymurray) Instagram/@andymurray) Image: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

He has also hinted that a career in commentating or punditry could follow in the coming years. “I love tennis,” he said at Wimbledon. “I watch it all the time. I would probably be more comfortable sitting up there in a coaching box rather than somewhere else."

Murray held a retirement party at his £5million Surrey mansion last month after saying: “If you had told the boy from Scotland that I would go on to achieve everything I did, my family and I would never have expected to do all the things I did.

"Physically the last year has been really difficult – the pain and discomfort in my body is not good. That’s also why I am happy to be finishing.”

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