Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie told Tarik El-Bashir earlier this season that he was giving up golf recreationally so that he could remain as healthy as possible for the rest of his hockey career. The story’s subtitle reads, TJ Oshie… had to put away his clubs to protect his health for the Capitals.
“I mean, it’s up for debate what sport I love more,” Oshie explained to El-Bashir. “It’s tough but I want to put a couple of good years together.”
Now comes word from Oshie himself that he will be participating in Drive Fore Kids, a charity golf tournament at the Falmouth Country Club in Maine from June 20-23, 2024. Oshie promoted the tournament on his Instagram Story on Friday.
Oshie is one of 30 confirmed celebrity participants for the event including other big names like Roger Clemens, Patrick Dempsey, Marshall Faulk, Brian Urlacher, Tuukka Rask, Jeremy Swayman, and Jeremy Roenick. The full list can be seen here. General admission tickets are $40 while a four-some wanting to golf with one of the celebrities is $7,500.
Oshie’s promotion of the event comes as he’s out of the Capitals’ lineup and week-to-week due to an upper-body injury. The 37-year-old forward has not played since doubling over in pain as he tried to make a pass to a teammate against the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 22.
Part of the reason why Oshie gave up golf at a high level was due to the soreness he was experiencing in his lower back.
On the ice, Oshie has missed significant time over the last few years due to flare-ups in the area. Oshie notably underwent a procedure on his back last spring to try and help the issue. He has missed 18 games so far this season and made a trip up to Minnesota in December to get treatment from his chiropractor. The Capitals’ winger is on pace for his fourth straight season playing under 60 games.
Oshie has one year remaining on his contract after this one with a $5.75 million cap hit. He’s four games away from suiting up in 1,000 for his career, a major milestone, and a goal he had coming into the 2023-24 season.
