Underrated Golf is a commercial venture that aims to balance student-athlete involvement to accurately reflect society by giving equity, access, and opportunity to student-athletes from every neighborhood. The goal of the organization is to increase the participation of competitive golfers from different backgrounds. Underrated aims to increase accessibility to the many opportunities that golf offers, both on and off the course, by making the game more inclusive.

The “purpose for profit” tagline of his organization, “Eat, Learn, Play,” which works for children in Oakland, is the model for the Underrated Golf Tour. The tour was financially successful in its second season in 2023. It made $6 million in sponsor sales against about $4 million in operational costs. The chairman and secretary of Thirty Ink, Curry’s business collective, is Suresh Singh. Suresh Singh is also a close friend of Curry’s father, Dell Curry. Singh declared that all earnings would be put back into growing the tour.

Golf has always been a sport dominated by caucasian people and there is a dearth of black and brown representation in the sport. Even though participation has increased in recent years, it took a massive hit during the pandemic. Compared to most professional golfers, the internationally popular Steph Curry reaches a wider audience. In an interview with Golf Digest, he said, “I don’t know what the path is. All I know is, when I’m done with basketball, I’m going to reasonably invest as much into my golf as I can to see how good I can get, and where that puts me 14 years from now, we’ll see.”

Curry’s ambitions about golf as a sport extend beyond personal laurels. His contribution to the sport is significant through Underrated Golf. This helps foster the growth of a new generation of golfers. These golfers come from different cultural backgrounds.

Stephen Curry’s dedication to representation in golf

48 boys and 48 girls between the ages of 12 and 18 competed in four tournaments across the United States. This happened during the 2023 Underrated season. A similar schedule will be followed for the 2024 season. The 2024 season will begin in May. It will start at Walton Heath in London and will be for the European debut. These competitions come at a high cost, with flights, lodging, food, and transportation for both competitors and adult companions. Nonetheless, these costs are somewhat mitigated by alliances with businesses like United Airlines, Subway, KPMG, and CDW. Curry’s $1.6 million personal investment launched the tour, even though there was first doubt regarding the availability of enough talented golfers of color.

Since golf is a traditional sport, finding a balance between modernity and tradition has been hard. “It’s a delicate balance,” Curry explains. “We want to create a fun environment that kids can see themselves in, but we also want our kids to know how to handle themselves and be respected and welcomed wherever they go. The traditions of golf are great for many reasons, but there’s also a modernization of the game going on right now, so there needs to be education on both sides.” 

More than just a business venture, Stephen Curry’s Underrated Golf project is a testament to his dedication to his community and his love of the game. Curry is changing the landscape of the sport and creating opportunities for many by addressing issues of underrepresentation.

Stephen Curry’s Underrated Golf is a ground-breaking project that combines profit and purpose. Curry’s initiative elevates young athletes from different backgrounds. This platform helps develop fresh talent. It also promotes a more equitable and inclusive future for the sport.