The Villages was briefly lauded for its golf courses and lifestyle during one of the most popular sports talk shows in America.

During Tuesday’s airing of The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, host Pat McAfee mentioned Florida’s Friendliest Hometown during a segment on his ideal retirement.

McAfee, who played professional football for the Indianapolis Colts for eight seasons, hosts a daily sports talk show that regularly features guests. On Tuesday, two-time major champion Bubba Watson spoke with McAfee for over an hour.

During their discussion, McAfee confessed that he had given up on the game of golf. Before doing so, however, the former punter said he had once dreamed of retiring to a place that was surrounded by water and golf courses.

“That’s why golf is so awesome. Such beautiful views, such beautiful scenes, such a beautiful sport. Which is why my goal was to get enough money to go to a place – I wanted a gated neighborhood on the water, golf-cartable to three different golf courses,” said McAfee. “And that was gonna be my retirement.”

When asked by Watson, who is now a member of the LIV Golf League, whether there was a place that existed like the one McAfee described, another cohost was quick to chime in.

“The Villages. Old people,” said A.J. Hawk, who holds the Green Bay Packers’ franchise record for most tackles. The response drew laughter from Watson, McAfee, and the other cohosts.

“That’s where I’m trying to head to,” said McAfee with a smile, referring to The Villages. “That was the goal.”

“The Villages, in Florida,” said Watson. “The Villages, in Florida,” repeated the major champion winner.

The group continued their conversation and moved on to other topics shortly thereafter.

A Florida native, Watson currently lives in the Pensacola area. He owns a stake in the RangeGoats, a team on LIV, and also co-owns the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, a minor league baseball team.

McAfee has slowly ascended the media ranks over the years, building an independent media empire with the help of his close friends and family. In 2023, he reportedly signed a multi-million dollar deal with ESPN.

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