Forget the hype about athletes trying their hand at golf. Most of them just look good in the photos. Steph Curry is the real deal, and the gap between him and other famous names is massive. According to MyGolfSpy, Curry sits right around scratch to plus-1, which puts him in elite territory for anyone outside the pro tour. This isn’t a weekend warrior story. It is a serious athletic crossover that deserves respect.
The Scratch Handicap Reality
Many people assume Tony Romo or Charles Barkley are the kings of celebrity golf. That assumption is dead wrong. Romo technically has a lower handicap, but Curry plays with a competitive edge that Romo simply does not match during the NBA season. MyGolfSpy reported that Romo floats in the plus-1 to plus-3 range, while Curry holds a tighter grip on scratch play. If they played an 18-hole match, Curry would wipe the floor with him. The consistency required to maintain a plus-handicap while playing 82 NBA games is a feat few can claim. Curry brings a level of focus that separates him from the pack.
Some might argue that playing golf on a Tuesday afternoon is different from a real test. The numbers say otherwise. In 2017, Curry stepped onto the Korn Ferry Tour and fired back-to-back rounds of 74. That performance nearly made the cut, missing by just 11 strokes. To put that in perspective, the winner of that tournament finished 18-under across four days. That is a brutal field. Curry didn’t just show up; he competed against players who make their living on the course. He is likely much better than the average fan thinks.
The New Shoe Deal
Curry’s golf skills are getting a commercial boost with a new partnership. Curry Brand is entering a new chapter with Li-Ning, a massive $4-billion company. Within this ecosystem, Steph joins stars like Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade as the first to unveil a golf shoe. The design leans more European and will definitely ruffle some feathers among die-hard fans. MyGolfSpy noted that the initial thoughts point straight to the adidas MC87 as a design comparison. Although a release date for this specific shoe has yet to be announced, the plans are clear. This move signals that Curry takes his game seriously enough to build a brand around it.
Most athletes treat golf as a hobby. Curry treats it like a second career. He is a player who will take your lunch money any day of the week, not only the best three-point shooter of all time.
