His precision in every move is impeccable. His body alignment is nearly flawless, and the way he balances and transfers energy has a natural flow that makes it seem effortless. This motion is something Stephen Curry has been honing for decades through dedicated training, endless practice, and his innate abilities. But it’s not his legendary jump shot – considered one of the greatest in basketball history – that he’s been perfecting. The jump shot that has earned him scoring titles, three NBA championships, and two MVP awards with the Golden State Warriors.
It’s actually his golf swing.
While there’s no doubt that Curry made the right choice in pursuing basketball over golf, he can’t help but wonder how things would have turned out if he had taken the other path.
“There’s always been that thought,” Curry admits. “If I had dedicated as much time to golf as I did to basketball, could I have made it? We’ll never know for sure, but that question has always been in the back of my mind, competing for my attention.”
Coming up this Friday at 3 p.m. ET, fans will have the chance to see NBA star Stephen Curry showing off his golf skills instead of his basketball moves. He will be playing alongside legends Phil Mickelson, Charles Barkley, and Peyton Manning in Capital One’s “The Match: Champions for Change,” airing on TNT.
The tournament will take place at Stone Canyon Golf Club in Oro Valley, Arizona, with Curry teaming up with Manning while Mickelson and Barkley partner up. This event may be the first opportunity for many to watch Curry hit the links, but his love for golf runs deep in his roots.
Curry’s golf journey started in his childhood, with his father Dell Curry, a former professional basketball player, playing golf as a hobby. Stephen began by riding in the golf cart, then taking some shots here and there until he was completely hooked.
“I caught the golf bug early and it became an obsession,” Curry expressed. “Sometimes I’d be on the basketball court thinking about my next round of golf. It’s a bit strange, but it’s a part of who I am.”
Although basketball ultimately triumphed as his sport of choice, golf has always held a special place in his heart. He fondly refers to golf as the “little stepbrother” of basketball. Every year, when the NBA schedule is released, he eagerly studies the matchups and envisions the season ahead, mentally mapping out the journey to another championship. Amidst his basketball commitments, he sneakily plans where he can fit in a round of golf here and there while on the road.
For Curry, golf isn’t just a casual hobby; it’s a deep passion. While basketball takes priority as long as he plays, Curry has toyed with the idea of pursuing professional golf in recent years. In 2017, he took part in the Ellie Mae Classic, a Korn Ferry Tour event. Despite missing the cut with consecutive 74s, he gave it his best shot. The following year, he returned to play in the same event but once again fell short on Day 2.
Reflecting on his golf experiences, Curry admits that the nerves he feels on the first tee of a golf tournament surpass any big game he’s played in basketball, including the NBA Finals and world championships. “I’ve competed at the highest level in basketball, but nothing compares to the pressure I feel standing on the first tee among other professionals,” he confesses.
Eric Risberg from Associated Press reports that Stephen Curry takes pride in his short game, believing that the touch required on the basketball court is similar to the one needed on the greens. Even though the physical aspects of each sport are different, Curry’s feel and creativity allow him to excel in both. People who have watched Curry play in person can confirm his skill in golf, along with his impressive performance in basketball. Golf writer Will Gray of NBC Sports believes that if Curry focused solely on golf, he could compete at a professional level on a weekly basis. Alan Shipnuck, a senior writer at Golf.com, was surprised by Curry’s size on the golf course, noting his resemblance to Tiger Woods in physique and ability to hit long irons up to 220 yards. Shipnuck was impressed by Curry’s golf skills, which he described as high-level.
Eric Risberg/Associated Press
Though known for his basketball skills, Curry’s connection to golf is notable because of similarities between his swing on the course and his shot on the court. Both display efficiency with little wasted movement, perfect rhythm, and an effortless quality.
According to swing instructor Travis Fulton, Curry’s golf swing is smooth and focused on precision rather than power, aiming for accuracy rather than distance. His current form on the course is sharp, benefiting from his extended break from basketball due to the Warriors’ season struggles.
Curry, with a current handicap of plus-1.5, has used this time off to work on his game and refine his swing. Despite his busy schedule, he has found joy in the tightness of his game as he gears up for his next round on Friday.
In the future, Stephen Curry is uncertain about pursuing a professional golf career after basketball, but he is open to the possibility. Currently focused on his successful basketball career, he is unsure of what lies ahead for him. However, one thing he is sure of is that golf will always play a significant role in his life, allowing him to connect with and benefit others.
Curry recently contributed to reviving the golf programs at Howard University, reflecting his commitment to growing the game and providing opportunities, especially for underserved communities. He aims to increase awareness about the enjoyable aspects of golf and hopes to involve more young people in the sport.
Through events like Capital One’s “The Match,” which raises funds for HBCUs, Curry continues to support causes that hold personal significance for him. Despite the differences in setting and stakes, Curry’s innate talents and grace will be on display during the event, making him feel right at home.