Who golfed on the Moon?

Alan Shepard Astronaut

Apollo 14 commander Alan Bartlett Shepard, Jr. (November 18, 1923 -- July 21, 1998) was an American naval aviator, test pilot, flag officer, NASA astronaut, and businessman, who in 1961 became the second person, and the first American, to travel into space.

Ten years later he commanded the Apollo 14 mission, piloting the lander to the most accurate landing of the Apollo missions. He became the fifth person to walk on the Moon, and the only astronaut of the Mercury Seven to walk on the Moon. During the mission, on Feb. 6, 1971, he hit two golf balls on the lunar surface.

This unique event took place after Shepard, the mission commander, had completed several scientific tasks on the lunar surface. He had smuggled a modified golf club—a Wilson Staff Dyna-Power 6-iron head attached to a sample collection tool—along with two golf balls, hidden in his space suit.

During a live broadcast, Shepard took two swings at the golf balls. His first attempt was less than successful, barely sending the ball a few feet. However, on his second swing, he claimed to have hit the ball "miles and miles," though analysis later revealed that it traveled approximately 40 yards (37 meters) . The event was not only a playful moment in space exploration but also a way for Shepard to connect with people back on Earth, showcasing the lighter side of the rigorous Apollo missions.

Shepard's golf club is now displayed at the USGA Golf Museum in New Jersey, symbolizing a blend of sports and space exploration . His playful act of golfing on the Moon has remained a memorable highlight in the history of space travel, illustrating the human spirit's desire for fun even in the most extraordinary circumstances.