Niall Horan admits golf helped him ‘escape’ from the madness of One Direction as he lands first mag cover without the band
The Irish singer has moved into golf talent management since the band took a break
NIALL Horan has revealed he played gold to "escape" from the madness when One Direction were on tour.
The Irish singer landed his first magazine cover without the band as he fronts the latest issue of Today's Golfer and said he used the sport as a way to unwind during the band's five years travelling the world.
He said: "When I was on the road with One Direction it allowed me to escape the hotel for a few hours and relax.
"Harry (Styles) and I used to play a fair bit and travelling so much has allowed me to play some amazing courses all over the world.
"It's a great way to escape from everything for a few hours."
While One Direction are on hiatus, Niall has moved into golf talent management with his company Modest! Golf, and is seen as a great ambassador for the sport among young people.
Posing on the cover of 'The Cool Issue' with profession player Justin Rose, Niall admits he is "obsessed" with golf.
The 22-year-old also counts World number four, Rory McIlroy as one of his closest friends.
He said: "I love it. I'm obsessed with it, to be honest.
"I watch an awful lot of golf on the TV. I love all the stats and when they break down swings. I can tell you who's top in greens in regulation, driving distance and stuff like that.
"I'm a bit of an anorak, but I find it all very interesting."
The young star revealed he decided to start his own talent business when he worked alongside Justin Rose and Justin Timberlake at the Drive, Chip & Putt event at the Augusta National this year.
He said seeing the "raw talent" there pushed him to go into management and he wants "to catch them while they're young because I want to be involved and at the forefront".
While Niall has changed direction with his post-1D career, Harry Styles is pursuing an acting career and is rumoured to have signed a huge record deal.
Liam Payne is spending time with girlfriend Cheryl Fernandez Versini and Louis Tomlinson is focusing on his baby Freddie.
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