Warriors' Steph Curry commits to play in Lake Tahoe golf tournament

San Francisco Chronicle​

5 days ago

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry will return to the shores of Lake Tahoe in July, potentially trying to make another closing 3.
That's what Curry memorably did two years ago in the American Century Championship. His eagle on the 54th and final hole, a par-5, vaulted him to a dramatic victory in the marquee celebrity golf tournament.
And now he's back.
Curry has officially committed to play in this year's event (July 11-13) at Edgewood Tahoe in Stateline, Nev., the Chronicle has learned. Tournament officials will make the announcement Tuesday.
This will be Curry's first appearance in the event since he earned his inaugural victory in July 2023. He didn't return to 'defend' his title because he was busy with the U.S. men's national basketball team last summer, preparing for the Paris Olympics.
That worked out fairly well for Curry, whose torrid shooting in the semifinals and finals helped his team secure the gold medal.
Curry and former pro tennis player Mardy Fish both return to Edgewood as reigning champs, in a sense. Curry's final-hole eagle in '23 (on an 18-foot putt) pushed him past Fish, and then last year Fish won the tournament for the second time.
Two years ago, Curry built his wire-to-wire win on four eagles. That included a second-round hole-in-one on No. 7, punctuated by his impromptu, exuberant, 152-yard sprint from the tee to the hole.
Curry finished with 75 points in the modified Stableford scoring system, to beat Fish (73) and former San Jose Sharks standout Joe Pavelski (66).
Curry's passion for golf has prompted him to play on what is now known as the Korn Ferry Tour; fund the men's and women's programs at Howard University; and establish the Underrated Tour, a junior golf circuit seeking to create a pathway to the pros for underrepresented players.
But his crowning achievement in his second sport came two years ago at Edgewood.
'I've always dreamt of this: 18th green, before a crowd like this,' Curry said after rolling home his triumphant putt. 'I still can't believe I made it. That was the most fun I've ever had on a golf course.'
Curry contended in previous years of the celebrity tournament, finishing as high as fourth.
This year's field of 90 golfers features a strong San Francisco 49ers flavor. Tight end George Kittle will make his first appearance in the event, along with teammate Kyle Juszczyk. Hall of Famers Steve Young and Jerry Rice, both regular participants, also will compete.
Top golfers who figure to challenge Curry and Fish include Pavelski, former LPGA star Annika Sorenstam, former Cowboys quarterback (and three-time winner) Tony Romo and baseball Hall of Famer John Smoltz.
Curry's dad, Dell, and brother, Seth, also are in the field.