CURRY SWAPS BASKETBALL FOR GOLF CLUBS, AGAIN

CALIFORNIA: Most summers were the same for Stephen Curry (pic) growing up.

When his father, 16-year NBA veteran Dell Curry, would finally hang up his basketball sneakers for the season, he’d usually venture out to the nearest North Carolina golf course to try his hand at another sport.

And his son Stephen could almost always be found along for the ride.

“When I was young, my dad was just getting into the game as well,” Curry recalled. “And he would take me around.

“I’d drive the golf cart, chip and putt, learn the ropes and eventually built some momentum and passion and a love for it myself.

“And (then) I was dragging him to the course.”

Curry would eventually follow in his father’s footsteps.

Not just on the hardwood, where he’s become a three-time NBA champion and twotime MVP but on the course as well.

Curry’s love for golf will be on display next month in Hayward, California, where for the second straight season the Golden State Warriors guard will play in the Web.com Tour’s Ellie Mae Classic.

The tournament, hosted by TPC Stonebrae, will be played from Aug 6-12.

“The players on the Web.com Tour welcomed me with open arms in 2017 and it was an amazing experience to play with up-and-coming US PGA Tour stars inside the ropes at TPC Stonebrae,” Curry said.

“I have been fortunate to be a member of an incredible team in the Golden State Warriors and I was elated to feel that same level of camaraderie on site last year.

“Golf is a game that has provided wonderful experiences in my life and I am excited to return to the Ellie Mae Classic in August.”

Curry made his Web.com Tour debut at the event’s 2017 edition, posting rounds of 74-74 (eight-over) while drawing tournament-record crowds.

For 2018, Curry will again maintain his amateur status in the event and will compete on an unrestricted sponsor exemption.

“We are thrilled to announce that Steph Curry will once again compete in the Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae,” said tournament director Trish Gregovich.

“His debut in 2017 was a tremendous success for our event and brought countless new golf fans to the Web.com Tour.

“He is a role model for kids around the world and a pillar of the Bay Area community, and we are honoured to have him play alongside the game’s rising stars in 2018.”

Curry calls himself a “golf junkie”, immersing himself in the sport as often as possible.

He once said he and his father watch and talk about golf more than basketball, somewhat surprising given what the latter has done for their respective careers.

Perhaps it’s the adrenaline rush that comes with a critical birdie or a clutch par-save.

“That’s what golf brings you,” he said. “It obviously humbles you as well, but you like those great moments you have.”