LEXINGTON, KY — In a refreshing break from the hardwood, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope took his Wildcats off the court and onto the green. In an effort to strengthen chemistry and build camaraderie among his players ahead of the 2025 season, Pope organized a surprise golf outing for the entire team—and it was nothing short of a Big Blue blast.
Held at one of Lexington’s premier golf courses, the outing wasn’t just about birdies and bogeys—it was about bonding. Players who typically fire three-pointers and battle in the paint were now sizing up putts and taking full swings, many for the first time. The session was filled with laughter, light-hearted competition, and even a few unexpected showstoppers.
While not every Wildcat had a Tiger Woods swing, a few showed surprising promise. Insiders say Collin Chandler, known for his sharp shooting on the court, displayed an equally smooth swing off it. “Chandler’s form was impressive,” one staff member commented. “He was composed, competitive, and kept his cool—even in the sand traps.”
Zvonimir Ivisic, the 7-foot-2 Croatian big man, reportedly turned heads as well—though more for the spectacle of his height and massive driver than the accuracy of his shots. Meanwhile, Malachi Moreno and D.J. Wagner reportedly brought the energy and laughs, trading light-hearted jabs and encouraging teammates throughout.
Coach Pope emphasized the deeper goal of the day: unity. “Golf challenges you to stay mentally focused, encourage your team, and laugh at yourself—just like basketball,” he said. “This is about building trust and having fun together. You can’t be great on the court if you’re not great off it as a group.”
While no official “Best Golfer” title was awarded, word in the locker room is that Collin Chandler might hold the unofficial crown—at least until the next outing.
As the Wildcats prepare for a high-expectation season under their first-year head coach, moments like these are proving to be the glue that binds the roster together. Golf may not be their sport, but when it comes to team building, the Wildcats are hitting all the right strokes.
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