McIlroy offers golf lesson to LeBron James, who accepts

Rory McIlroy has offered to give LeBron James a golf lesson, a proposal the NBA star quickly accepted on social media. The exchange occurred during a press conference at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the tournament, the six-time major champion was asked which athlete he would most like to teach golf. McIlroy named James, the 41-year-old Philadelphia 76ers forward. "LeBron's really gotten into golf, and he's the most unbelievably gifted athlete, but it doesn't look like it when he's on the golf course," McIlroy said. "So, I'd love to give him a lesson."

James responded within hours on his Instagram story, writing, "Well, guess what! I'm in for that lesson for sure!" The public acceptance turned a lighthearted comment into a confirmed cross-sport collaboration between two of the world's most famous athletes.

James has developed a well-known passion for golf in recent years. He has previously stated he took up the sport around age 30 because he wanted a challenge that made him uncomfortable. "I love how difficult it is. I love a challenge," James said earlier this year. His enthusiasm has been...