Stephen Curry's walk-off eagle wins American Century Championship
Stephen Curry, the renowned basketball player for the Golden State Warriors, showcased his exceptional golf skills once again at the American Century Championship. Over the weekend, Curry's performance included a remarkable hole-in-one on Saturday, adding yet another achievement to his already impressive golf resume.
In a thrilling finale, Curry became the first active professional athlete to claim victory at the American Century Championship since 2000. The tournament employed the Modified Stableford format, where players accumulate points based on their performance. Curry secured 75 points, edging out Mardy Fish, a former tennis professional, by two points.
Starting the final round with a three-point lead over Fish and Joe Pavelski, a hockey player for the Dallas Stars, Curry's Sunday performance was truly remarkable. He accumulated an additional 25 points, culminating in a sensational walk-off eagle on the last hole.
As Curry's winning putt neared the hole, a challenging downhill slope awaited. Sensing the significance of the moment, Curry dropped his putter and turned back. The thunderous roar from the crowd confirmed his success. Filled with sheer joy, Curry threw his hat in the air and sprinted around the green, reminiscent of a schoolkid sinking a game-winning three-pointer in a casual basketball match. Eager to share his triumph, he immediately sought out his wife Ayesha before returning to the green, pumping his fists, and shaking hands with his fellow competitors.
Reflecting on his extraordinary victory, Curry acknowledged the unique experience of being able to savor the moment on the golf course compared to the fast-paced nature of basketball. He expressed his lifelong dream of facing such a scenario on the 18th green, amidst an enthusiastic crowd, and making the winning putt. Maintaining composure, relying on routine, and having unwavering confidence in himself led to this remarkable achievement. Curry expressed his astonishment that the putt went in, emphasizing the significance of finally securing a win after nearly a decade of participating in the tournament.
Curry's commitment to golf has been evident throughout the past month. Recently, his organization, UNDERRATED Golf, hosted an event at Firestone CC, emphasizing the importance of equity, access, and opportunity for underserved golfers. In 2019, Curry partnered with Howard University, providing full funding for the school's men's and women's golf programs for six years. His generosity extends beyond the grassroots level, as demonstrated when he donated $25,000 to support Scott Harrington, a former Korn Ferry Tour pro, during his wife's battle with cancer in 2018.
Now, Curry adds another accolade to his name, joining Mario Lemieux (1998) and Al Del Greco (2000) as active professional athletes who have triumphed at the American Century Championship. This victory fulfills Curry's aspiration of achieving success in golf while actively competing in the NBA.
With his remarkable skill set and unwavering dedication, Stephen Curry continues to make an indelible impact on the sport of basketball and the world of golf. His success on the green serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, demonstrating the power of determination and passion.
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