Baringer’s Confident Claim
“I can say without a doubt that I’m the best golfer in the locker room,” Baringer proudly asserted. “I truly believe that,” he emphasized.
Center Garrett Bradbury humorously responded, “Oh, how modest of him!”
Proven Talent on the Course
However, his teammates affirm his skills. Special teams captain Brenden Schooler remarked, “Bryce is incredibly talented at golf and has a knack for trash talking during our outings. He’s for real.”
To showcase Baringer’s skills, the Globe organized a trip to Topgolf in Canton with Baringer, his wife Bella, and rookie kicker Andy Borregales.
Demonstrating Skill at Topgolf
It quickly became apparent why everyone acknowledged his golfing prowess. Using Topgolf’s standard equipment, Baringer effortlessly hit impressive iron shots and long drives, showcasing his ability to hit even the most challenging targets with precision. Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Baringer demonstrated remarkable control over the spin and trajectory of his shots.
Astonishing Feats
As an amateur golfer, I was astounded by how effortlessly he played. While Borregales, a novice to the game, struggled with his shots, Baringer hit consistently with ease. He also graciously refrained from giving us the same playful trash talk often directed at his teammates.
A Lifelong Passion for Golfing
Baringer had been introduced to golf at the tender age of 4, thanks to his father, Bruce. They started with a putter, emphasizing the importance of mastering short game shots. Baringer reminisced, “My dad is a massive guy at 6’7’’ but he taught me the basics and creativity around the greens.”
With a love for golfing as a family event, Baringer often spent his summers at the Detroit Golf Club, later caddying to understand the significance of responsibility and money management.
A Balance Between Sports
By high school, Baringer had taken up punting and eventually chose to pursue football in college. Even after being drafted by the Patriots in 2023, golf remained an important part of his life.
The previous year, he scored a remarkable 1-under-par 69, earning a spot in the Massachusetts Amateur championship. Reflecting on that achievement, he said, “I just wanted to feel the adrenaline of competition again.”
Golf and Football: A Shared Mindset
Baringer sees parallels between punting and golfing, especially in the mental approach required for both. Under the guidance of Patriots’ assistant special teams coach Tom Quinn, he has explored the mental strategies detailed in “Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect.” Baringer noted, “Many specialists in the league are decent golfers. Both sports require a meticulous approach to each shot.”
While Baringer loves golf’s low-impact nature and social opportunities, he has set personal boundaries regarding playing during football season. Yet, once the offseason rolls around, he will inevitably be back on the golf course.
