What does an Olympian do after a 22-medal record-setting career? Travel. Gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps plans to travel the world and pick up on his golf hobby now that he has retired at the age of 27.
Phelps has been all over the world traveling for training and to Olympic Games in Athens, Beijing, and most recently, London, however now he would like to actually enjoy some time actually enjoying the places that he visits.
"I have traveled the world through swimming, but really haven't had an opportunity to experience the world through my travels," Phelps told E! Online.
"I'd like to be able to travel around and take some time and just sort of take a break, and travel, and SEE some cities." Phelps said in an interview with NPR. "You know, I haven't been able to see too many of the cities that I've been able to travel to, just because I see the pool and I see the hotel."
This time around, Phelps will be visiting the world's golf courses rather than swimming pools. Phelps will be joining the fifth season of the Golf Channel's The Haney Project. He'll be brushing up on his swing with the help of Tiger Woods' former swing coach Haney.
"I want to play all the world's great golf courses, but I'd like to play them well. I'm excited about this project with Golf Channel and I'm looking forward to working with Hank and see what we can do together on the golf course."
Phelps is hoping that he'll learn to work on his short game, putting, and dropping his number of shots. He started playing golf in 2008 as a way to relieve stress after the Beijing Olympics. He now loves the sport. In 2010 he started the Michael Phelps Foundation Golf Classic as a way to raise money to promote swimming and a healthy lifestyle.
The fifth season of The Haney Project featuring Phelps will debut in February 2013.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
