‘Just Trying to Have Fun with It’: Ex-NHL Enforcer Tarnasky Explains Golf Course Beatdown
Former NHL enforcer Nick Tarnasky has never shied away from physicality. Known during his playing days for dropping the gloves and defending teammates, Tarnasky made a career out of being tough. But no one expected that same fire to show up on a golf course. After a video surfaced showing Tarnasky in a physical altercation during a charity golf tournament, the internet exploded with takes, jokes, and concern. Now, Tarnasky is speaking out, saying the situation wasn’t what people think—and that it was all in good fun.
The Viral Video
The video, which began circulating on social media late last week, shows Tarnasky on the fairway of a public golf course, engaged in a heated scrap with another participant. The footage captures yelling, pushing, and what appears to be a full-on takedown. While no punches were thrown, the intensity was enough to spark confusion and concern, especially given Tarnasky’s reputation from his days as an NHL enforcer.
Internet users quickly dubbed it the “golf course beatdown,” and the clip racked up millions of views within hours. Many assumed the altercation was serious—possibly the result of a drunken argument or on-course trash talk gone too far.
Tarnasky’s Side of the Story
In an exclusive interview with a local sports station, Tarnasky finally set the record straight.
“I get it, it looks wild on camera,” Tarnasky said, laughing. “But honestly, we were just trying to have fun with it. It wasn’t real. The guy’s a buddy of mine. We were just messing around.”
Tarnasky explained that the event was a light-hearted charity tournament organized by former players and athletes, and the tone of the day was casual and goofy. He and a longtime friend were jokingly recreating some of the hockey fights of their past. What started as a play-fight for laughs was filmed by a bystander who didn’t realize it was all in jest.
“It’s not like I tackled a stranger,” Tarnasky continued. “We’d had a couple drinks, we were having a blast, and someone caught a second of it on video without knowing the context. It blew up before we even got back to the clubhouse.”
A Reputation That Follows
Tarnasky knows his NHL past adds weight to anything involving physical contact. During his career, which included stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and Florida Panthers, he was known for throwing big hits and answering the bell when things got chippy. With over 200 professional fights under his belt, his name still carries that tough-guy image—even in retirement.
“People still think I’m out here looking to scrap,” he said. “I’m 40 now, man. I’m more worried about my golf swing than dropping gloves. But yeah, I get that if I so much as bump someone, folks might assume it’s something serious.”
Reactions from the Golf Community
While many online found the video hilarious, not everyone was amused. A few critics called it “unsportsmanlike” and “inappropriate for a public course,” especially during a charity event. Some questioned whether alcohol played too big a role in the event’s tone.
However, tournament organizers have since confirmed Tarnasky’s version of the story. In a statement, they said, “There was no actual fight or conflict during the event. The incident was in good humor, and both individuals involved are close friends. The tournament was a success and raised thousands for youth hockey programs.”
Tarnasky says he has no hard feelings about the backlash.
“People are gonna believe what they want. At the end of the day, it made people laugh, and it got folks talking about the charity event. If that’s what it takes to get a little attention for a good cause, I’ll take the heat.”
From Ice to Fairways
These days, Tarnasky spends more time on the golf course than in the gym or rink. Since retiring from professional hockey, he’s focused on coaching youth programs, participating in alumni events, and enjoying retirement. But moments like these serve as a reminder that you can take the player out of the NHL, but the enforcer spirit might never fully leave.
“I still like to have fun, stir the pot a little. But it’s all love now,” Tarnasky said. “No one got hurt, and we raised money for a great cause. That’s a win in my book.”
Final Thoughts
What could have been an ugly viral moment turned out to be a misunderstood prank between friends. Nick Tarnasky’s golf course “beatdown” wasn’t a case of an ex-enforcer losing control—it was a lighthearted nod to his roots, caught out of context and blown out of proportion.
In today’s world, where everything is filmed and shared in seconds, moments like these are a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. And for Tarnasky, the only thing he plans to fight moving forward is his short game.
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