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Former Premier League Player of the Year Gareth Bale has found a new career just 23 days after retiring from professional football - though the change is hardly surprising

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Enraptured fans are in agreement that Gareth Bale was "wasted as a footballer" after he was filmed nailing an inch-perfect shot on the golf course.

The former Real Madrid ace, 33, proved that the cart path on the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was no problem as he powered a shot into a concrete dip which in turn chipped the ball onto the grass. The outlandish move somehow saw the ball settle on the green before rolling nicely into position right beside the flag.

Bale's insane shot received heavy plaudits from adoring supporters on social media, who questioned if the five-time Champions League winner picked the right career path.

READ MORE: 7 ex-footballers who became big in other sports as Gareth Bale confirms PGA Tour debut

"For sure was wasting his talent as football player," harked one fan. "Gareth Bale retiring from a stellar pro football career to go and play pro golf is the biggest W ever," praised a second.

"I may never have gotten to see Bale play soccer, but at least I’ve got some years to watch him play golf.," posted a juvenile supporter. "Gareth very, very good at golf. Wouldn't be too shocked if he tried to qualify for The Open. That’d be some story," commented a fourth.

Though former Football Focus host Dan Walker was not having any of it, stating: "No way he planned this. Got away with an absolutely thin shin rocket."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Gareth Bale spring an upset on the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments section.

Progressing through the ranks at Southampton, Bale penned a four-year deal at Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2007 where he was transformed from a left-back into one of the world's fiercest widemen. Europe's elite were awoken following a devastating performance against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Real Madrid parted with a world record fee of £85m to secure his services.

Netting one of the goals of his career in the 2014 Copa del Rey final, Bale would go on record an astounding three La Liga titles on top of his continental achievements, though the latter years of his time in the Spanish capital were marred by controversy.

A widespread perception was that the Welsh wizard was more concerned with playing golf than dedicating himself to his football career and holding up a flag entitled "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order" after the Dragons qualified for Euro 2020 didn't help matters.

After retiring earlier this year, Bale announced he would be competing on the PGA Tour at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, making his debut earlier today (January 2nd).