American swimmer Michael Phelps is trading the pool for the golf course after signing up to appear in a new U.S. reality show with Hank Haney.
The record-breaking 22-time Olympic medallist, who retired from swimming after the 2012 London Games, will try his hand at golf on the upcoming season of The Haney Project, set for screening in February 2013.
During the programme, Phelps will work with Tiger Woods’ former coach Hank Haney to improve his swing, and the athlete is already looking forward to stepping on the green.
A statement from the 27 year old reads, “I have travelled the world through swimming, but really haven’t had an opportunity to experience the world through my travels. As I enter this next chapter of my life, I think I will be able to shift my competitiveness to anything I put my mind to and golf is one of the things I want to focus on.
“If I have a goal of dropping a certain amount of shots, or working on my short game or putting, those things are going to keep me motivated and fire me up and keep me excited.
“I want to play all the world’s great golf courses, but I’d like to play them well. I’m excited about this project with Golf Channel and I’m looking forward to working with Hank and see what we can do together on the golf course.”
If Phelps wins the show he will receive a prize of $100,000 for his favourite charity.
Michael Phelps Foundation www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org