Marc Savard almost quit playing golf before he found out how good he could actually be.

The 36-year-old only picked up the sport after the New York Rangers missed the playoffs in 1997-98.

But while many NHLers find it relaxing out on the links, Savard wasn’t enjoying himself much — until a teammate provided what turned out to be a career-altering tip.

“I went out and tried it right-handed and it was not enjoyable, to say the least. Later on that summer, someone said why don’t you try left-handed, you play hockey left-handed,” said Savard, who received a sponsor’s exemption to play in The Players Cup this week at Pine Ridge. “I didn’t play the toughest course, but I shot an 85 as a lefty, so I stuck with it and I’ve fallen in love with the game. I’ve really put the time in. I have a green in my backyard and I practice all the time. It’s something that I’m actually obsessed with.”

Savard played 807 NHL games during his career, adding another 25 during the Stanley Cup playoffs but his career ended prematurely in 2011 after suffering his second concussion in 10 months.

There are days when Savard still suffers symptoms, but his health has improved — though he realizes a potential NHL comeback is not likely in the cards.

“It’s going to be tough to play again,” said Savard, who had 207 goals and 706 points in the regular season and added eight goals and 22 points in the post-season. “I listen (to the doctors) and taking another hit is not really on the agenda. Right now, it doesn’t look promising.”

But playing golf has provided him a nice outlet for his competitive juices.

“It’s been nice to have something competitive that I can still do and ease the pain,” said Savard. “I have two boys and two girls. My girls are in dance and my boys play AAA hockey, so I’m still around the rink a lot and that fills the void of missing the game.”

Savard had his career taken away in 2011, the same year the Boston Bruins captured the Stanley Cup.

“It’s a good way to go out if that’s the way I have to go out,” said Savard, who got his name on the Stanley Cup after the Bruins petitioned for him. “I’ve been able to deal with it and move on from it, but the first couple years were really tough, especially going back to Boston. I still go back once a month to see the doctors. I miss (hockey) it, there’s no question about it. I still watch the game and keep in contact with some guys I’m still close with. I’ve always been a hockey-watcher, especially the playoffs.

“I still love the game and maybe down the road I’d like to coach in the junior ranks. Maybe helping out in the OHL would be something I’d look forward to doing.”

Although he’s played in some big amateur tournaments before, Savard is excited to see how his plus-two handicap translates against the pros this week.

“I’ve had a couple of wins around home and I just enjoy that feeling down the stretch,” said Savard. “It’s tough to explain unless you’re in it. It’s all inner-body and it’s all on you. It’s different than hockey. The onus is on you and I really enjoy that.

“This is something that I look forward to giving a try. Who knows how I’ll finish? Making the cut would be something special, that’s kind of the goal right now.”

The Players Cup gets underway on Thursday.

ken.wiebe@sunmedia.ca

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