Luke Humphries, the reigning darts world champion and current world number two, is set to make a striking switch from the dartboard to the golf course. The 31-year-old Englishman will appear at the Maddison Invitational, an exclusive golf event organized by footballer James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur, on May 26.
For Humphries, this debut is no surprise, as he has had a passion for golf for many years, often playing whenever his darts schedule allows. He is an avid amateur with a handicap of around 18, having previously reached a lower level. Humphries notes similarities between darts and golf, emphasizing the crucial mental aspects like concentration, focus, and resilience to setbacks, which he hopes to apply on the golf course.
The invitation stems from organizer James Maddison's own love for darts. The midfielder, currently recovering from a serious knee injury, is a regular at major darts tournaments, including the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, and even incorporates a dart throw into his goal celebrations. Humphries follows in the footsteps of fellow darts player Nathan Aspinall, who participated last year, highlighting the growing cross-pollination between sports.
This event offers Humphries a chance to showcase his versatility outside darts, providing a welcome change in his busy season. While his impact remains to be seen, his participation adds an extra dimension to the Maddison Invitational, which blends elite sport and entertainment for a unique fan experience.
