For two icons of the NBA, basketball is not the only sport they choose to dabble in. Golf is a competitive game that stands out the most in this list. Often referred to as the ?gentlemen?s game?, it has captured the attention of various athletes who want to test their competitive nature in a different sport. Amongst the NBA stars known for showcasing their skills on the green pasture are Chicago Bulls?legend?Michael Jordan?and?Golden State Warriors?star?Stephen Curry.

Michael Jordan dominated the basketball court during the 1990s, leading his team to six championship victories and earning the title of the greatest basketball player ever. On the other hand, Stephen Curry has become the face of today?s NBA, ruling the court with his shooting and delivering four championships for the Warriors. When it comes to non-professional yet competitive golfers, these two names stand out above everyone else?s. The following article will draw a conclusion on who is the better golfer: Michael Jordan or Stephen Curry.

Michael Jordan has a dominant presence in the world of Golf

Even during his NBA days, Michael Jordan was an enthusiastic golfer. People who knew him from that era often share stories of the love and devotion that His Airness has shown to the sport. From holding his wedding reception on a golf course to playing during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, many tales would somehow find their way to Jordan?s favorite pastime.

Jordan got bit by the golf fever in 1984, the same year he was drafted by the Bulls. According to his friend and professional golfer Davis Love III, MJ followed him along as the latter was hanging out with his friends at the Finley Golf Club.

?He started off just tagging along and driving the cart or walking around with us, just because there were so many guys playing,? Love said during an interview. ?He tried to come out and hack it around and hang out?.

Spending that day watching the gentlemen?s sport in all its glory allowed the NBA star to take some time out of his busy schedule and relax on the golf course. Taking advice from coaches and renowned golfers like Tiger Woods, Jordan soon improved his game drastically, often playing with his friends and known associates for large sums of money. His love for the game increased after his final retirement from the NBA in 2003. It got to the point where His Airness, on average, would play over 36 holes a day. Like other professional golfers, the now 60-year-old Jordan knows that golf is not as easy as it looks.

?From a competitive standpoint to me, it is the hardest game on the planet,? said Jordan during an interview. ?I can always respond to an opponent, defensive guy, offensive guy, whatever. But in golf, it?s like playing in a mirror and you are battling yourself consistently to try to get perfection. Every swing, every putt.?

WATCH THIS STORY:??He Looked At Me Like I Was the Biggest Idiot?: Embarrassing Moment With ?Manly? Michael Jordan Moment Continues to Hurt After 26 Years, as PGA Tour Caddie Makes Embarrassing Confession

Jordan has shown his skills as a golfer during various celebrity tournaments over the past few years. He has participated, for many years, in the American Century Championship, the Tahoe Showdown, and celebrity matches associated with the renowned Ryder Cup Tournament. Along with that, the 6x NBA champion has personally hosted a few tournaments at his exclusive, invite-only, 18-hole golf course Grove XXII. If nothing else can justify Michael Jordan?s love for golf, then this $200 million worth purchase of his certainly will.

Stephen Curry is taking strides in his decades-long journey as a golfer

Unlike Jordan, Stephen Curry has boasted about being a golf enthusiast ever since the age of 10. His entry into the NBA did not cause any hindrance in his journey to making a mark in the ?gentlemen?s sport? and Curry keeps taking time off his busy schedule to hone his golf skills.

As stated in a previous comparison between himself and Charles Barkley, Stephen Curry has participated in various celebrity tournaments as well, including the American Century Championship and the Ellie Mae Classic Tournament. The 35-year-old has often performed exceptionally well for a sportsman for whom golf is not the main sport.

Over the past few months, Curry has been making headlines for the accolades he has been bestowed with, all thanks to his skills and prowess on the green pasture. Along with being named the Golf Ambassador of 2023 by the ?Champions? Tour, Stephen Curry was breaking barriers and advancing to different levels during the latest edition of the American Century Championship. In the end, he was able to make an eye-catching 18-foot putt and take home the coveted trophy.

Who Reigns Supreme?

Through his countless years of devotion to the sport and a $200 million investment that has yielded him his exclusive golf course, no one can deny Michael Jordan’s love for golf. However, the author must side with the Warriors star when choosing the better golfer.

Stephen Curry recently managed to accomplish a feat that has placed him in the history books. He became the first active athlete in over 20 years to claim an ACC golf title. The precedent he set has created a new level of potential for aspiring golfers to reach. Many celebrities, including former US president Barack Obama, have spoken about the talent that the 4x NBA champion possesses on the golf course. The same people have some positive words to share about Michael Jordan as well. However, unlike Curry, the Bulls legend?s trophy cabinet is still reportedly missing a golf title.

Another factor to consider when drawing a comparison is each player?s handicap level. It is a numerical value that compares an individual golfer?s scores with his skills. A low handicap score indicates a better ranking for players. According to an article published by Insider in July, Stephen Curry?s current handicap score stands at an astounding +1.3. Michael Jordan, on the other hand, is not far behind with a score of 1.9.

Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry are among the very few athletes who have established their dominance not only in their primary sport but also in the world of golf. When talking about basketball, Michael Jordan definitely takes home the title of the better athlete. However, when talking about the ?gentlemen?s game?, Jordan narrowly misses the top position.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.

READ MORE: Will Anyone Come Close to Building a Sneakers Empire Like Michael Jordan?s?