‘Darn impressive’ Curry mixes it with golf pros

The NBA superstar made his debut appearance on golf’s Web.com Tour on Friday (AEST) and more than held his own among the pros.

The Golden State Warriors sharpshooter — rated a 3000-1 winning chance by bookmakers — accepted a sponsor’s invite to the event to play as an amateur.

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He made a nervy start when his hooked opening drive landed in a golf cart cup holder, but showed plenty of talent and composure as he bagged three birdies in a four-over-par opening round of 74.

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“An amazing experience.” ⛳️ 🏀

The anatomy of @StephenCurry30‘s first career #WebTour round. pic.twitter.com/HBkwvCq4Q8

— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) August 3, 2017

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Of course @StephenCurry30 first tee shot of @elliemaeclassic swished the bottom of the bucket! Of a golf cart! @WebDotComTour#freereliefpic.twitter.com/zgq2OHNwkL

— The Truck (@truckkarma) August 3, 2017

“It was an amazing experience,” Curry said.

“I’ve been looking forward to this since I found out and to finally hit my first shot in tournament play was a really nervous moment, but it was everything that I hoped for.

“If you told me i was going to shoot 74 going into the first round, I’d take that all day, everyday.

“Happy with it, but obviously, as a competitor you always feel like you can play better so hopefully I can do that tomorrow.”

The round, also featuring five bogeys and one double, had Curry sitting 144th in the 156-man field late on the first day’s play. However his score gave him some chance of surviving the weekend cut in what would be a remarkable achievement.

“I don’t know how to assess this situation, really,” Curry said.

“I’ll probably check the scores this afternoon and see how everyone’s going. As it goes (tomorrow) hopefully I’ll know what I need to shoot to give myself a chance (of making the cut)

“But I probably shouldn’t have said that because I don’t want the extra pressure”.

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Steph Curry: 74 (+4). Hit 8/18 GIR, 4/10 scrambling, 27 putts. Finished 1 shot ahead of Sam Ryder, player in his group, who won 2 weeks ago.

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) August 3, 2017

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Steph Curry posts 74, doesn’t embarrass himself and generates significant interest in a Web event. But please, keep those lame takes coming.

— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) August 3, 2017

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Steph Curry shoots 74 with 3 birdies, 5 bogeys and a double. Pretty darn impressive for a basketball player among pro golfers.

— Scott Michaux (@ScottMichaux) August 3, 2017

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Stephen Curry’s 74 in the books:

🎯 53% FIR
⛳️ 44% GIR
🚀 265 AVG drive
🐦 3 birdies

The warriors guard can golf his 🏀 ball. #EllieMaeClassicpic.twitter.com/GdrA1cd6TH

— Harvey Jamison (@HarveyJamison) August 3, 2017

Curry made impressive approaches for birdies on two of the par-fives and a two on the par-three sixth hole.

Three of Curry’s bogeys came between the 10th and 14th holes, with a one-under on the 15th by sinking a 1.5m downhill putt prompting a pump of the fist and raising of his arms.
Curry admitted to feeling nerves when his opening tee shot bounced off a hill and into the cup holder of a golf cart.

“That’s probably a first on the tour,” he said.

“Not an ideal way to start with calling a rules official over after your first tee shot.

“I kind of settled in after that.”

Golf has long been a passion for the Warriors guard, who plays off an impressive two handicap. He has previously spoken of an ambition to become a professional golfer after his career in basketball is over.

He came fourth in last month’s American Century Championship pro-am.

— with AAP

Originally published as ‘Darn impressive’ Curry mixes it with golf pros

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