Jordan joins golfing greats in Florida

ORLANDO (NBA) - Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player ever and the sport of golf has ranked a very close second among his favourite hobbies for more than two decades now.

In fact, in the prime of his career, it was not unusual for the Chicago Bulls superstar guard to head out to the golf course and play a few rounds – weather and time allowing – even before big playoff games.

Since his playing days on the hardwood came to an end, the Charlotte Bobcats owner has turned to golf to channel the intense competitiveness that drove him to get the better of his contemporaries Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and Patrick Ewing.

Given his passion for the gentlemen’s game, it comes as no surprise that he purchased a three-acre home site in The Bear’s Club, an exclusive golf course community in Jupiter Island, Florida, developed by the world’s greatest golfer, Jack Nicklaus.

Jordan paid $4.8 million for the land and $7.6 million for the construction of a 28,000 square foot mansion that also features a separate guard house, guest house and pool house. The property is expected to have a $20 million price tag when it’s all said and done.

The six-time NBA champion’s desire for privacy will be well served as the Bear’s Club is a well-guarded and gated community. Additionally, his property has been landscaped with a literal forest of trees which should do a good job of hiding his abode.

Jordan’s residence is reported to have 11 bedrooms and an athletic wing that includes a basketball court.

Golfing icon Tiger Woods, a member of Jordan’s very exclusive inner circle, also lives in Jupiter Island, where his $50 million estate was recently completed.

Prior to his purchase, Jordan was already a regular at the Bear’s Club where he is often seen playing from sunrise to sunset.

The location of his new home will allow him to be close to his two sons, Jeffrey and Marcus, who are attending nearby University of Central Florida and playing on the basketball team.