Lithuanian Basketball Stars Enjoy Golf at Historic Northern Ireland Club

Lithuanian basketball icons Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas, and Tomas Masiulis recently observed their holiday tradition by visiting the historic Portstewart Golf Club in Northern Ireland. The trio was photographed at the club, which boasts a history dating back to the late 19th century, having been established in 1894. Portstewart Golf Club features three distinct courses.

Golf has become a significant part of Jasikevičius's vacation routine, often including meetups with former teammates like Ilgauskas and Masiulis, who played alongside him at BC Žalgiris and Fenerbahçe Istanbul. Jasikevičius discovered his passion for golf during his college years in the United States.

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First and foremost, this game calms me down perfectly, it 'cools' my head. Others like to relax quietly at their country houses or travel through forests, and I'm not a big fan of such things; I prefer golf. It gives me the opportunity to be in nature, to escape from everyday life. I am also fascinated by the fact that golf is not only a means of relaxation but also an exciting sport. I boldly say: this is the hardest sport I have ever tried. However, this sport is exciting and drives me crazy. That feeling when I feel I am improving, when I manage to play better than ever, to make a good shot, is great. It encourages me not to stop moving forward and to keep playing. That's why I love golf.

"First and foremost, this game calms me down perfectly, it 'cools' my head," Jasikevičius explained in 2014. "Others like to relax quietly at their country houses or travel through forests, and I'm not a big fan of such things; I prefer golf. It gives me the opportunity to be in nature, to escape from everyday life. I am also fascinated by the fact that golf is not only a means of relaxation but also an exciting sport. I boldly say: this is the hardest sport I have ever tried. However, this sport is exciting and drives me crazy. That feeling when I feel I am improving, when I manage to play better than ever, to make a good shot, is great. It encourages me not to stop moving forward and to keep playing. That's why I love golf."

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In basketball, your physical abilities can still push you forward, allow you to jump higher or run faster than your opponent, but in golf, that won't help. This game requires immense concentration. Every shot must be calculated anew; every situation is somehow different. Of course, the ability to hit the ball harder, which is developed by the best players, helps, but it is certainly not as important as physical strength in basketball. Anyone can play golf – both small and large.

Jasikevičius sees numerous parallels between basketball and golf, emphasizing concentration as the key element in both. "In basketball, your physical abilities can still push you forward, allow you to jump higher or run faster than your opponent, but in golf, that won't help," he stated. "This game requires immense concentration. Every shot must be calculated anew; every situation is somehow different. Of course, the ability to hit the ball harder, which is developed by the best players, helps, but it is certainly not as important as physical strength in basketball. Anyone can play golf – both small and large."

He also noted the sport's popularity among basketball players abroad. "In the summers, we often play together with Žydrūnas Ilgauskas. Golf is more popular among basketball players abroad – both in Barcelona and in the U.S., there were at least a few teammates with whom one could compete," Jasikevičius recalled in 2014.

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In the summers, we often play together with Žydrūnas Ilgauskas. Golf is more popular among basketball players abroad – both in Barcelona and in the U.S., there were at least a few teammates with whom one could compete.