GARETH BALE is preparing for his second sporting debut as he swaps football for golf.

The Welshman is the latest celeb to sign up for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am event in California, USA.

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham star Bale announced his retirement from football on January 9.

But just 15 days later, Bale revealed he would compete at the celebrity special event, which has an illustrious history dating back to 1937

The 33-year-old is a well-documented golf fanatic, often playing during the waning days of his Los Blancos career which saw injuries and lack of selection hinder his main profession.

Ahead of making his golf bow, Bale has been praised by US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick.

The Sheffield United fan played nine holes with Bale on Wednesday, saying: “It was really cool [to play with him].

“First time I’ve officially met him. So that was obviously good to see him. Really, really enjoyed it.

“Asking him questions about football and he’s asking questions about golf and stuff.

“We had a really enjoyable front nine and there’s not many better places to do it than around here.”

But Bale will be facing off against a number of returning celeb veterans and pros such as Fitzpatrick.

These include Ghostbusters actor and comedian Bill Murray and NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen.

A total of 156 amateur golfers and 156 pros are competing in the tournament, which runs until Sunday.

Each amateur is paired with a pro and both play one round each at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill and Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s Shore Course.

Bale will be partnered up with former Korn Ferry Tour Championship winner Joseph Bramlett for the first three rounds.

This years event will also see 54 holes played, up from the usual 36.

The top 60 pros and the top 25 pro-am teams will advance to the final round at Pebble Beach on Sunday.