Curry set to play in celebrity event

With the Warriors out of the picture in the NBA restart, can Stephen Curry still win a championship?

He’ll get that chance when the American Century Golf Championship begins on July 10 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.

Dell Curry, Stephen’s father, will fly to the Bay Area from Charlotte and then drive with his son to Lake Tahoe for the celebrity event like they do every year. He likes Steph’s mindset even though Curry is coming off a broken hand that required surgery and the fact that golf courses in the Bay Area were only recently reopened.

“I know he’s really looking forward to this year because he’s had a chance to play and practice and really concentrate,” Dell Curry said in a conference call. “He’s been able to unwind, as opposed to finishing the finals and a week later he’s in Tahoe without a chance to unwind and rest up. He has a real good short game. He’s definitely thinking that maybe it’s his year.”

An endorsement for Steph as the winner also came from Charles Barkley, who hasn’t allowed a tortured swing to keep him playing golf and having an opinion.

“Steph has actually got a real job so he’s always at a disadvantage,” Barkley said. “He might have a real chance this year because his game is sharp, he’s healthy. This probably is the most he’s ever been prepared. Think about it — he’s been busy the last three years winning the MVP and championships. If he’s going to win it, this would be the year.”

Two-time champion defending champion Tony Romo is a 5-6 favorite, followed by former A’s pitcher Mark Mulder (5-2), former pitcher Derek Lowe (12-1) and former tennis player Mardy Fish (12-1). Stephen Curry checks in at 18-1.

In the past four tournaments, Stephen Curry finished seventh last year, 11th in 2018, fourth in 2017 and 26th in 2016 — one spot behind Dell Curry.

Father and son have a bet where each year the loser must sing Karaoke in public while wearing an outfit picked by the winner.

The event will be televised this year, with no fans in attendance due to the coronavirus pandemic, so Dell Curry is unsure whether the bet will be put off until next year’s tournament.

“He may wait until we get fans back, I’m not sure,” Dell Curry said.

Barkley, listed as a 7,500-1 longshot, looked at the bright side regarding the lack of fans.

“I won’t hit anybody, so that’s always a relief,” Barkley said.