Trevor Ng
Johnny Carson was an American television host, comedian, and writer, best known for hosting NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Carson was an intensely private person, rarely seen in public after leaving the airwaves. However, one of his trademark moves was simulating a golf swing at the end of his monologues on The Tonight Show. While Carson was an avid tennis player, his former co-host, Ed McMahon, claimed that he was no golfer and that his golf swing was delicious irony. McMahon recalled Carson giving up golf after a round at a country club, tossing his clubs into a lake, and taking up tennis instead. Despite this, Carson often joined his son Chris, an avid golfer, on golf trips.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Was Johnny Carson a golfer? | Johnny Carson was not a good golfer, despite famously simulating a golf swing to close his "Tonight Show" monologues. |
| Why did he simulate a golf swing? | According to his co-host, Ed McMahon, Carson's golf swing was "delicious irony" because he knew Carson was no golfer. |
| Did he play any other sports? | Carson was an avid tennis player. |
| Did he have any connection to golf through his family? | Carson's son, Chris, was an avid golfer. |
| Did he ever interview golfers? | Carson interviewed golfers such as Arnold Palmer and his wife, Winnie Palmer, on "The Tonight Show." |
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What You'll Learn
Johnny Carson was an avid tennis player
While Johnny Carson was known for his trademark golf swing at the end of his monologues on the "Tonight Show," he was actually an avid tennis player. In fact, his friend and co-host Ed McMahon recalled that Carson took up tennis immediately after giving up on golf, as he was too intense for it.
Carson's passion for tennis may have stemmed from his competitive nature, which he channeled into the sport. He and his fourth wife, Alexis, attended the annual Wimbledon tennis championships in England every summer, indicating his interest in the game.
Despite his love for tennis, Carson's relationship with golf was quite different. He often joined his eldest son, Christopher Carson, on golf trips, but not to play himself. Christopher, who was an avid golfer and a golf instructor, brought his clubs on these trips, while his father did not.
Carson's simulated golf swing at the end of his monologues was, ironically, a nod to his lack of skill in the sport. According to McMahon, Carson once played a round of golf at a country club and did not perform well. Frustrated, he tossed his golf clubs into a lake and never played again, finding the game frustrating rather than enjoyable.
So, while Johnny Carson is often associated with golf due to his iconic swing gesture, he was truly an avid tennis player at heart, embracing the competition and passion that the sport offered him.
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Carson's son, Chris, was an avid golfer
While Johnny Carson was known for his trademark phantom golf swing at the end of his monologues on The Tonight Show, his co-host Ed McMahon revealed that Carson was "no golfer". In fact, McMahon recalled that Carson once played a round of golf at a country club and "stank". After giving up, Carson tossed his clubs into a lake and left the sport, taking up tennis instead.
However, Carson's son, Chris, was an avid golfer. Chris Carson, born in 1950, was Johnny Carson's eldest son. He died at the age of 74 in 2024. According to Howard Smith, a close friend of the late television host, Chris lived in Florida and was an "avid golfer". Smith recalled that he and Johnny Carson would join Chris on golf trips, although Carson himself did not play golf. Instead, he would come along to watch his son play. Chris worked as a golf instructor, and his primary financial support came from his father.
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Carson's trademark was a phantom golf swing at the end of his monologues
John William Carson, born on October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa, was an American television host, writer, and comedian. He is best known for hosting NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992, earning him the title "King of Late Night." Carson received numerous accolades for his work, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, the Television Academy's Governor's Award, and a Peabody Award. He was also inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
One of Carson's trademarks was a phantom golf swing at the end of his monologues on The Tonight Show. This signature move was dubbed "delicious irony" by his co-host and sidekick, Ed McMahon, who knew that Carson was not a skilled golfer. In fact, McMahon recalled that Carson gave up golf after a frustrating round, tossing his clubs into a lake and declaring that golf was a "gift from man to Satan." Despite his aversion to golf, Carson made the phantom golf swing a memorable part of his nightly routine, aimed stage left toward the orchestra.
Carson's phantom golf swing became so iconic that it inspired parodies by guest hosts on The Tonight Show. Newhart, for example, rolled an imaginary bowling ball toward the audience. Carson's golf swing was more than just a comedic gesture; it reflected his playful approach to entertainment and his ability to connect with audiences through humour and surprise.
While Carson may have struggled with golf, he excelled at tennis. According to McMahon, Carson took up tennis after giving up golf and poured his intensity and competitive drive into this new sport. This passion for excellence was a defining characteristic of Carson, both on and off the screen.
In conclusion, Johnny Carson's trademark phantom golf swing at the end of his monologues on The Tonight Show was a unique and memorable aspect of his iconic hosting style. It combined humour, surprise, and a touch of irony, reflecting Carson's talent for entertaining and captivating audiences. This signature move contributed to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest icons in American television history.
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Carson's golf swing was delicious irony, according to his co-host, Ed McMahon
Johnny Carson was an American television host, comedian, and writer, best known for hosting NBC's *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson* from 1962 to 1992. He was also an avid golfer, and his trademark move was a phantom golf swing at the end of his monologues, aimed stage left toward the orchestra. This swing was ironic because, despite Carson's love for the game, he was not very good at it. In fact, his co-host and sidekick, Ed McMahon, recalled in his memoir that Carson "stank" at golf and that his swing was "delicious irony".
Carson and McMahon first met on the show *Who Do You Trust?* where McMahon was Carson's announcer. The pair shared a 46-year friendship until Carson's death in 2005. In his memoir, McMahon wrote about Carson's golf skills:
> Johnny finished every Tonight Show monologue with an easy golf swing. What delicious irony! I saw him play golf and knew the star was no golfer. Johnny played a round of golf at a country club the way so many people play—he stank.
According to McMahon, after giving up on golf, Carson took up tennis, a sport he excelled at due to his "passion to excel".
Despite his lack of skill, Carson's love for golf extended beyond the course. He often joined his son, Chris Carson, on golf trips, and he was a member of a golf club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Carson's passion for the sport even inspired one of the most famous moments on *The Tonight Show*. One of Carson's guests was the professional golfer Arnold Palmer, who had just won a big tournament, likely the Masters or a US Open. During the interview, Carson asked Palmer if he had any good-luck rituals. Palmer replied, "Yes, my wife kisses my balls." To which Carson quipped, "I'll bet that flutters your putter."
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Carson's favourite moment on the 'Tonight Show' was about golf
John William Carson, born on October 23, 1925, was an American television host, comedian, and writer. He is best known for hosting NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992. Carson was a pioneer in the television industry, with his interviewing and comic techniques winning over a huge audience and spawning numerous imitators. He received numerous accolades for his work, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, the Television Academy's 1980 Governor's Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
While Carson was known to enjoy tennis and golf, his signature move on The Tonight Show was a phantom golf swing at the end of his monologues, aimed stage left toward the orchestra. This move was reportedly ironic, as Carson was not a skilled golfer. According to his co-host, Ed McMahon, Carson once played a round of golf at a country club and did not perform well. After giving up, he tossed his clubs into a lake and took up tennis instead.
Despite his lack of prowess on the golf course, one of Carson's favourite moments on The Tonight Show involved a guest appearance by Mrs. Arnold Palmer, the wife of the legendary golfer. Mrs. Palmer was asked about what she did to bring her husband luck on the links. This particular episode evoked the longest stretch of audience laughter on the show, and it seems that Carson himself enjoyed it quite a bit as well.
Carson's love for golf, or at the very least, the idea of it, was evident in his trademark phantom swing. This move has become synonymous with his legacy, and it is likely that he enjoyed including it in his performances, even if it was just a pretend swing. While Carson may not have been a talented golfer, his sense of humour and entertainment value were undeniable, and his impact on late-night television will forever be remembered.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Johnny Carson was not a golfer. According to his co-host, Ed McMahon, Carson was "no golfer". McMahon recalled that Carson played a round of golf and "stank".
Yes, Carson had a trademark move of simulating a golf swing at the end of his monologues on 'The Tonight Show'. This move was called "delicious irony" by McMahon, who believed Carson was good at anything he tried.
Carson's golf swing was ironic because he was not good at the sport in real life. McMahon wrote in his memoir, "Johnny finished every 'Tonight Show' monologue with an easy golf swing. What delicious irony!".
Yes, Carson took up tennis after giving up on golf. He also smoked cigarettes and suffered from emphysema in his later years.
