Mike Tindall has revealed his competitive streak with Zara Tindall, saying that he "couldn't ever outdo her" when it comes to certain sports.
The couple recently hosted their 12th ISPS Handa Mike Tindall Celebrity Golf Classic at The Belfry in Warwickshire, raising approximately £400,000 for Cure Parkinson's and the Matt Hampson Foundation.
When asked about their sporting rivalry, Mike, 46, revealed: "The short answer is yes, but we do have very different areas of expertise. I couldn't ever try to outdo her on a horse, and I'm the rugby and golf player in the family."
The successful charity event added to an impressive £1.7million raised across previous years.
Mike Tindall reveals why Zara Tindall stays off the golf course
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Though an accomplished equestrian who has taken up golf with the Slingsby Golf Academy, Zara Tindall opted not to play during this particular event.
Mike explained: "She has played a bit of golf, but I think if I asked her, she would say she hasn't spent as much time on it as she might like."
Instead, Zara supported from the sidelines. "She makes a fantastic drinks buggy driver and keeps everyone's spirits exceptionally high, no matter what their golf is doing," Mike added.
The former England rugby star shared with Hello! that his youngest child, four-year-old Lucas, is showing particular promise with a golf club.
Mike explained: 'She has played a bit of golf, but I think if I asked her, she would say she hasn't spent as much time on it as she might like'
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"I'm trying with all of them," Mike said about encouraging his three children to take up the sport. "I think Lucas will be the one most into it."
The charity tournament saw Mike teeing off alongside celebrities including actor James Nesbitt, former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, football pundit Jamie Redknapp and TV presenter Jenni Falconer.
"There's always a lot of banter, and it tends to get more as the day goes on," Mike revealed, sporting his trademark flamboyant golfing attire – peacock feather-printed shorts.
The Tindall family enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle at their home on Princess Anne's 700-acre Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.
Mike Tindall and Zara Tindall pictured at the charity golf event
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Mike told the publication that the countryside setting provides an ideal environment for their children Mia, 11, Lena, six, and Lucas, four.
"We all spend a lot of time outside with horses, dogs, chickens and all sorts of other things to keep the kids busy," he explained.
The former rugby player appreciates the rural location, adding: "We're incredibly lucky with where we live and how the countryside is such a huge part of our lives, which gives the kids a fantastic playground."
The family has lived at Aston Farm on the estate since 2013.
Zara Tindall pictured with her former sister-in-law, Autumn Phillips
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The golf tournament coincided with Zara's 44th birthday celebrations, with Mike sharing a touching tribute on social media: "Happy Birthday to the better Tindall. She's even let me play golf on her birthday!"
While Mike enjoyed a round of golf with friends, Zara treated herself to a birthday massage at The Belfry before the event.
The Tindalls' home at Aston Farm holds special significance for the family, as it was formerly Zara's father Mark's residence following his split from Princess Anne. It's also where their youngest child Lucas was born in dramatic fashion in March 2021.
Mike previously revealed on his podcast that Lucas arrived so quickly they couldn't make it to hospital, with the birth taking place on their bathroom floor. Zara was assisted by her friend and bridesmaid Dolly Maude.
The couple, who will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary in July, clearly cherish their countryside home where they've built a vibrant family life with their three children.
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