Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel & Neal Begovich Take New Strides with Off-Day Bombs on Golf Course
When the grind of the college basketball season takes a brief pause, most players use that time to rest and recover. But for Duke’s freshman sensations Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and walk-on veteran Neal Begovich, a recent off-day turned into an unexpected showcase — not on the hardwood, but on the golf course.
The Blue Devils trio took full advantage of a rare break in their demanding schedule by hitting the links for a friendly round of golf. What started as a casual outing quickly turned competitive, with each player taking turns launching long drives and impressive approach shots. Videos and photos from the outing surfaced across social media, showing the trio embracing the spirit of the game — and even flexing some surprising talent.
Cooper Flagg, the highly touted freshman from Maine, drew the most attention with a smooth swing and powerful drive that mirrored his explosive play on the court. Flagg, known for his intense demeanor and defensive dominance, showed a lighter, more relaxed side as he laughed with teammates and celebrated long putts. His competitiveness was still apparent, though — he wasn’t shy about chasing birdies the same way he chases down blocks.
Kon Knueppel, another freshman standout from Wisconsin, wasn’t far behind. His steady hand and poise on the court seemed to translate well to the green, where his controlled swings and calculated approach shots made him look like a seasoned golfer. Knueppel’s consistency and calm demeanor made him a natural on the course, mirroring the traits that have made him one of Duke’s most reliable scoring threats this season.
Neal Begovich, the senior walk-on and team favorite, brought both humor and heart to the round. While Begovich isn’t usually in the headlines for his minutes on the court, his leadership and locker room presence have made him a vital part of the Blue Devils’ culture. On the course, he proved to be a glue guy yet again — cracking jokes, teeing off with style, and even sinking a tricky putt that drew cheers from Flagg and Knueppel.
The off-day golf session wasn’t just about fun — it was a display of team chemistry, balance, and a glimpse into the personalities behind the jerseys. With a grueling ACC schedule and March Madness aspirations looming, moments like these help keep the team grounded and united.
Fans were quick to react on social media, loving the rare behind-the-scenes look at the stars in a different element. “Cooper Flagg’s swing is as smooth as his jumper,” one fan tweeted. “Knueppel’s got that Tiger Woods focus,” added another. And for Begovich? “Give this man a green jacket!”
Whether or not Duke’s stars have a future in golf remains to be seen. But if their off-day performance is any indication, the Blue Devils’ chemistry and camaraderie are as strong as ever — on and off the court.
