Michael Phelps breaks out his signature arm flap before teeing off at Ryder Cup

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:54 p.m. ET

Allyssa Lee

Now that the most decorated Olympian of all time has hung up his competitive swim cap for good, Michael Phelps has more time for leisurely pursuits, like golf. That includes taking part in the celebrity tournament ahead of the Ryder Cup in Minnesota on Tuesday.

Which is not to say Phelps won't bring some of his 23-time Olympic gold-medal winning swim form to the course for good measure.

Like when he broke out his signature arm flap warm-up before hitting his first tee, to the utter delight of the Hazeltine National Golf Club crowd.

Phelps told the Associated Press that he plans to play three times a week to improve his present 15 handicap.

Being on the golf course was also "Probably the most nervous I've ever been," Phelps told the AP before teeing off. "One, I didn't want to shank one and drill somebody. And then I was just, `OK, shove a tee in the ground and try to hit one on the grass. That's all I wanted to do."

Mission accomplished.