The energy around Augusta National isn't just about the players gearing up for the green jacket—it's also about the style and stories that swirl on the periphery. This year, former racing superstar Danica Patrick is serving up a potent mix of both, capturing the golf world's attention with her on-point course attire and candid reflections on her post-racing life.
Since stepping away from the high-speed world of NASCAR and IndyCar in 2018, Patrick has traded the roar of engines for the serene—and often frustrating—challenge of the fairway. The 44-year-old, who resides in Arizona with its wealth of pristine courses, has fully embraced the golf bug. But as any weekend warrior knows, the relationship with this game is complicated.
The Love-Hate Game
Patrick recently took to social media to share her rollercoaster journey with the clubs, posting a video of herself in action. "Golf is a funny game," she mused, capturing the essence of the sport's maddening appeal. "And mostly played by those who just love to be hard on themselves. A game you will never master and repeatedly wonder—why am I doing this to myself?!"
Her experience has been a true test of patience. She revealed a mysterious slump and an equally mysterious recovery, stating, "Then I forgot how to hit my driver to start the year off… Until about 10 days ago. I remembered just as mysteriously as I forgot." This honest take resonates with anyone who has ever stood over a ball, questioning all their life choices.
From the Track to the Tee Box
Patrick's transition to golf stems from a deliberate shift in her competitive drive. In a past interview with "Nightline," she explained her decision to leave racing, saying, "It wasn't in my heart anymore. What I love about racing was that ability to progress and get better and finish better and better and ultimately win. And I just felt like that was becoming less and less something that was in my control."
Now, she channels that desire for progression into a game where the only person to beat is often yourself. Her stylish presence on the course adds a fresh, athletic vibe to the golf scene, reminiscent of other personalities who bring flair to the sport, like when Amanda Balionis masters the look in a stunning Augusta green dress.
A New Chapter Beyond the Broadcast Booth
Adding another layer to her evolving career, Patrick has officially closed one door. She confirmed she will not return to Sky Sports' Formula 1 coverage in 2026. Reflecting on her five-year stint, she expressed gratitude: "From my first Sky Sports F1 race in Austin to my last 5 years later… I had such a blast!"
She added, "I called after the last race in 2025 and said it was time for me to move on... and now due to my deep exposure to F1, I will be glued to my TV for the season starting this weekend, like every other fan!" This move frees up even more time for her to dedicate to mastering the mental and physical game of golf, a pursuit that seems to perfectly fill the competitive void.
As The Masters captivates the sports world, Patrick's story is a compelling sidebar about life after the peak of an athletic career. It's a narrative of finding new passions, embracing their difficulties, and doing it with undeniable style. While the tournament will crown a champion on the course, the broader spectacle—from fashion to fan engagement—always generates buzz, whether it's about the Masters merchandise machine raking in $70 million in one week or debates over broadcast focus, similar to the uproar when fans slammed ESPN's Masters coverage over a celebrity interview.
Danica Patrick may not be competing for a green jacket this week, but with her sharp style, relatable golf struggles, and new-found freedom, she's undoubtedly winning a different kind of attention in the lead-up to one of sports' most iconic events.
