'NBA Legend' Barkley: "The Best Trash Talkers Are Jordan and Woods"

In Golfweek Interview, "Jordan Thinks He Is Woods," Teams Up with Mickelson for 2-on-2 Event on the 28th

Charles Barkley named Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods as the best 'trash talkers'.

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] "Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods (both from the USA)."

These are the players identified as 'trash talkers' by Charles Barkley (USA), the 'NBA legend.' In an interview with Golfweek on the 26th (Korean time), he said, "The best trash talkers I've met while playing golf are Jordan and Woods," explaining, "Jordan thinks he is Woods when he plays golf." A 'trash talker' refers to someone who uses harsh language against opponents during a game or is good at teasing companions by pointing out their weaknesses.

He also emphasized Woods as "the greatest trash talker of all time." Barkley is a basketball star with powerful strength. He led the league in rebounds in 1987, was the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1993, an 11-time All-Star, 5-time season Best 5, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame, leaving a brilliant career. He is also famous as a 'celebrity who can't play golf' with a unique swing form. In a 2016 celebrity golf tournament, he finished last among 82 participants, failing to make par over three days.

On the 28th, he will participate in an event tournament at Stone Canyon Golf Club in Oro Valley, Arizona, USA, along with Phil Mickelson (USA) and others. Barkley teams up with Mickelson, while on the opposite side, current NBA star Stephen Curry and retired NFL player Peyton Manning (both USA) form a team to compete in a 2-on-2 match. Foreign betting sites predict that "the Curry and Manning team has a higher chance of winning."

Two players from the same team both tee off, then swap balls for the second shot, and thereafter alternate hitting the ball placed in the better position. Barkley said, "I practice 4 to 5 hours a day," laughing, "If I don't perform well in this tournament, it will never be due to lack of training." He added, "Curry and Manning play golf well, and I am coming in as a wildcard. If I do well, we can win."