05 February 2023 , 18:12
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Former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale enjoyed an impressive PGA Tour debut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but will miss the event's final round as only professional golfers are allowed to feature.
Bale has been partnering Joseph Bramlett at the event, who entered the final round tied for second on 10 under par behind Peter Malnati. Reflecting on his involvement, Bale said: "The last couple of weeks have been amazing.
"People giving me compliments on my game is incredible, they have a put a bit too much pressure on my shoulders! I am a big golf fan and appreciate what these players do on the golf course.
"It is great to play with them, interact and watch what they do. Just watching him [Bramlett] strike a ball is just something else.
"The power, the touch. He has been incredible and he is an even better guy, which is more important. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."
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Bale, who announced his retirement from football last month, earned plaudits from US Open champions Jon Rahm and Matt Fitzpatrick ahead of the event.
Bale partnered Joseph Bramlett at the event (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)"I told Gareth, you can't be so good at professional football and golf at the same time, it just doesn't seem fair," Rahm said. "Can't be dedicated to one thing and have this much talent for golf, it's not fair in the slightest.
"You can tell he loves this sport, he loves golf and he really wants to get to play a little bit more." Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, described Bale as "impressive" after playing nine holes with him before the Pro-Am began.
"I don't know what Jon said but yeah, he [Bale] is obviously a good player," Fitzpatrick said. "He has obviously got a lot of talent. Yeah, he was impressive."