There are a few things about Steph Curry, superstar of the Golden State Warriors, that we have known to be true for a very long time. He is an outstanding basketball player. He is a huge golf fan. And he intends to put his prominence to positive use.
It’s possible that the basketball aspect is the reason we know and love Curry, but it was the other two things that were on display on Tuesday, when the World Golf Hall of Fame announced that in 2024, Curry will receive the Charlie Sifford Award, which “Honors recipients for their spirit in advancing diversity in golf.”
Curry has not only served as an example to follow and an icon for others, but he has also put in a lot of hard work to make golf, a sport that is typically not particularly accessible to people of different genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds, a game that is more welcoming to all types of players. Underrated Golf was established in 2021 by the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, who also founded the company. Underrated Golf brands itself as “A purpose-driven business endeavor with the overarching commitment to provide equity, access, and opportunity to student-athletes from every community by balancing participation in the sport to truly reflect our society.”
On Underrated Golf’s website, they list part of their mission as the following:
The game of golf is played almost exclusively by white men, and its rules and institutions were developed in a way that favors certain demographics over others. Underrated Golf is of the opinion that the game of golf should be accessible to everyone; nevertheless, we are aware that major progress needs to be made before it can be considered a sport that is just, fair, and motivating for everyone. We are laying the groundwork for this foundation from the ground up by providing young golfers who have been ignored with unique programming opportunities such as an ongoing speaker series and networking events with brands and companies. These opportunities will enable these golfers to gain an understanding of what it takes to establish connections and develop a successful career. Our platform also serves as a great recruitment tool for corporate entities, allowing them to hire future leaders who will advance our purpose locally, nationally, and internationally while also assisting these institutions in diversifying their personnel. These future leaders will further our mission locally, nationally, and globally.
In addition to Underrated Golf, Curry helped Howard University get a golf team up and running for the first time since the 1970s, and pledged to fund the men’s and women’s programs for six years. Howard University becomes the 31st HBCU and 12th Division 1 HBCU to have a golf program.
Greg McLaughlin, the CEO of World Golf Hall of Fame said in a statement that, “Steph Curry has shown passion and a commitment to giving more opportunities to young people who do not have access to the game of golf. Steph’s dedication in advancing diversity in golf epitomizes the groundbreaking work demonstrated by Charlie Sifford. The World Golf Hall of Fame in partnership with Southern Company is committed to ensuring his legacy endures for future generations by recognizing others – like Steph – who are devoted to making golf an environment for all.”
While it’s his work to make golf more accessible and equitable that stands out as most important, Curry’s one hell of a golfer himself. In July, he won the American Century Championship tournament in Tahoe, sinking a walk-off eagle putt to become just the second active athlete to win the popular tournament.
Curry will be presented with the award at the 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will be held during the 124th US Open at the Pinehursts Resort and Country Club in Curry’s home state of North Carolina. While he’s surely excited and honored to receive the award, he’ll be hoping that he can’t pick it up in person, as it would conflict with the NBA Finals schedule should Curry’s Warriors make a run at a fifth title.