Stephen Curry finishes creditable four-over par on pro golf debut in California… but NBA superstar still dunks first drive into buggy cup holder
Former NBA MVP shot an impressive round at the Ellie Mae Classic
STEPHEN CURRY is one of the very best basketball players in the world.
And now the former NBA Most Valuable Player has added another feather to his cap - after making his professional golf debut.
The 29-year-old is pretty handy with a ball in his hand, his hot shooting helped the Golden State Warriors win two titles in the last three years, and he proved he's not bad with a club either.
Playing at the Ellie Mae Classic in California, Curry shot a very respectable four-over par 74.
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus had sent a message of support, but there was a lot of criticism from golf fans on social media.
Some claimed he was stunting the development of other young players, while others said he wouldn't crack 80.
And he did get off to a shaky start as his opening drive incredibly managed to end up in the cup holder of a nearby golf buggy.
But Curry recovered well to make par and then outplay playing partner Sam Ryder - who won the last event on the Web.com Tour by eight shots.
Curry, who sits 142nd out of a field of 154, said it was an "amazing" experience.
He said: "To finally hit my first shot in tournament play was a really, really nervous moment, but it was everything I hoped for."
"If you told me I was going to shoot 74 going into the first round I'd take that all day, every day. I'm pretty happy with it.
"I'm happy with it. Obviously as a competitor, you feel like you can always play better. So hopefully I can do that tomorrow."
On his first drive, Curry added: “That’s probably a first on the tour.
"There was a golf cart just left of my target on hole No1 and it went right in the cup holder.
“Not an ideal way to start with calling a rules official over after your first tee shot. I kind of settled in after that.”
Ryder added: "He impressed me today for sure.
"I didn't really know what to expect... but he made an awesome par save on 18, a couple of things that showed a lot of grit, he hit some great drives, and his short game was awesome too."