How Michael Jordan's golf skills benefited PGA Tour winner: "I'll probably try and play with him before I go out to the tournament"

While Michael Jordan may never have achieved professional status in golf, numerous stories have surfaced over the years that highlight the five-time MVP's confidence in his golfing abilities and his constant challenge to pro players.

Adding to this notion, five-time PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler emphasized how playing against the Chicago Bulls legend has not only compelled him not to take any opponent lightly, but those intense competitions have even proved 'beneficial' for his career.

Fowler on playing against MJ

During his interview with 'Slow News Days,' Fowler expressed his gratitude for his friendship with the 14-time All-Star as he gushed over Mike, who had the same clutch prowess on the golf course as he displayed on the basketball court. Moreover, the five-time PGA Tour winner added that he prioritized playing against the Bulls guard before entering tournaments, as the latter always kept him on his toes and motivated him to be at his 'A-Game.'

"I'll probably try and play with him here a couple times in the next week-and-a-half before I go out to the tournament, " Rickie said . "I think it's very beneficial for me. You're playing against MJ, one of the most clutch guys there is. He's good, especially when you get him around the greens and putting. He'll putt anyone straight up."

Delving deeper into his experience of playing against the six-time NBA Champ, Fowler also admitted that it was quite intimidating for anyone, regardless of their success in their respective sport, to be in the presence of His Airness.

"For people, when it's their first time playing with him, or first few times - it's Michael Jordan," he added.

Related: Julius Erving believes no player is similar to him in the modern NBA: “I was a small forward, but I really played like a power forward”

MJ was labeled a tough competitor by other golfers

Interestingly, Fowler wasn't the only one who noticed that Jordan never took his golfing adventures lightly. Another pro golfer, Rory McIlroy, was stunned by the finesse Jordan had on the course.

"What always surprises me is his touch, which for quite a big guy is quite impressive, " McIlroy said . "He has great hands. Inside of 6 feet, I'd take him against pretty much anyone."

It's clear that His Airness' ability to excel in golf is impressive, considering it's a different sport. His confidence, especially evident in his big bets and trash talk, showed just how optimistic he was every time he picked up a club.

Related: "His stakes are a little too high for me" - Scottie Pippen shares why he could never beat Michael Jordan in golf