Michael Jordan was banned from golf club for breaking strict rule

NBA legend Michael Jordan is a massive fan of golf, to the point where he was actually banned from a Miami golf club for breaking dress code rules – because he wore cargo shorts

Michael Jordan is an avid golfer, so much so that he treats some golf courses like he would any setting, which could be detrimental to the NBA legend.

During his playing days as the star of the Chicago Bulls, Jordan often took time out of his day to find relaxation on the golf course, spending hours on the links. That love for golf continued after his retirement and the basketball legend had gotten so fond of the sport that he began treating courses as if they were any other venue.

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That landed Jordan in hot water in 2012 as he was banned from the La Gorce Country Club in Miami for violating the club’s dress code. Jordan was caught wearing cargo pants on the links and was asked to return to the clubhouse and change his pants, which the six-time NBA champion refused to do.

Because of his refusal, Jordan was banned from the club. The NBA legend’s representative released the following statement after the decision, stating that the cargo pants incident was not a one-off situation.

“Michael Jordan did wear cargo pants,” the statement began. “He had been there many times before and had worn cargo pants previously, and had never been made aware that he was violating any dress code. This time, he was made aware of the violation on the 12th hole, and at that point he did refuse to interrupt his game, and return to the clubhouse and change.

“We were not aware that he is not allowed to return to La Gorce. I guess it’s their loss — as MJ is a great golfer, and a great guest.”

In response to the ban, Jordan reportedly told ESPN Chicago in a text: “I’ve been there many times and no one told me a thing. Then all of a sudden they come to me on the 11th hole and say I can’t wear cargo shorts. Wow! The round is almost over and you want me to buy shorts now? Yeah, right!!”

He ended his piece by adding: “No problem!!”

And though Jordan received a lifetime ban from the club, his competitive nature often shines through, often showing just how much the former basketball star’s willingness to win knows no bounds. Known as one of the greatest winners in sports history, Jordan will do whatever it takes to win, even if means cheating.

Jordan owns an exclusive club named ‘Grove XXIII,’ which has fewer than 100 members and is invitation-only. The Hobe Sound-based course is reportedly tailored to Jordan’s playing style, giving him an edge against top golfers.

Among those invited to play at ‘Grove XXIII’ is Justin Thomas, who shared with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose at Payne’s Valley Golf Course about Jordan’s relentless drive to win. As the four were mic’d up, they watched Woods hit a poor shot, prompting all four players to search for the ball.

While searching for Tiger Woods’ errant tee shot, Justin Thomas joked with his group that Jordan would break the rules to favor him, as reported by Golf Magic, “It would be like playing with MJ [if we found that tee shot], ‘I got it, it’s right here. Oh, Tiger, it kicked out into the fairway.”