Stephen Curry, the three-time NBA champion and two-time MVP has announced plans to make golf accessible for everyone.
Golf is one of the most inaccessible sports for underrepresented individuals across the globe; that’s why Curry wants to make the sport accessible to everyone. Curry aims to do that through expanding his Underrated brand to include the sport of golf. Underrated, which stands for a representation of every overlooked, 3-star individual in the world, is an inspiring lifestyle brand with a mission to empower underrated and underrepresented individuals all over the world.
The brand is a culmination of Curry’s inspiring journey to the top as he defied the odds; breaking basketball stereotypes and reminding people that being the best is not about being the strongest, fastest and tallest. It’s also about being grounded in your potential, committed to your craft and, ultimately, being undeterred, according to Curry.
PURPOSE-DRIVEN ENDEAVOUR
“I created Underrated back in 2019 with the goal of celebrating the underdog,” said Curry. “Underrated is a mindset, a motivation, a calling, a compliment. With this inspiration, I am excited to expand the brand into Underrated Golf; which happens to be one of the most inaccessible sports for underrepresented individuals across the globe. Underrated Golf will provide equity, access and opportunity; recognising the instrumental role the sport plays as one of the greatest vehicles and connectors for life successes.”
Underrated Golf is a purpose-driven business endeavour with the overarching commitment to provide equity, access and opportunity to student-athletes from every community; by balancing participation in the sport to truly reflect society. With a mission to increase the participation numbers amongst competitive golfers from diverse communities, players will compete hand-in-hand with their peers who currently represent the vast majority of today’s golfers.
ADDRESSING GENDER INEQUITY
Curry’s vision of the sport is to better reflect the diversity of our society; and provide “access to the countless opportunities that the game brings both on and off the course”. This new venture will also allow young golfers to play on courses that they would never have access to; while addressing the gender inequity within the sport of golf and beyond. It also aims to ensure that young female players have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Furthermore, Underrated Golf will prioritise workforce development, bringing greater awareness, training opportunities and programming to individuals; while fostering an understanding of the many career paths made possible by way of the sport. Through an ongoing series of special speakers, networking events and learning tools with brands and corporations, players will understand what it means to build a successful career. Curry wants UNDERRATED Golf to also used as a recruitment tool for their brands and corporations to hire the future leaders; who will help enact change locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
CREATING LANES FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
“We are dedicated to enacting real change by creating lanes for boys and girls from underserved communities to gain access to the sport,” explained Will Lowery, Underrated Golf Professional and Tour Ambassador. “Underrated Golf provides equity, access and opportunity, recognising the instrumental role the sport plays as one of the greatest vehicles and connectors for life success; from relationship building to career endeavours. We are focused on equal representation of all genders; while being a force multiplier for them to realise their potential and positively impact the sport; from skill on the course to competing in major tournaments and pursuing leadership roles across industries.”
Student athletes who are selected to participate in Underrated Golf will be able to grow through the game; in order to have a sustainable future outside of the sport. Similar to the Underrated Basketball Tour and Championships, Underrated Golf will also identify and recognise the best players at each of the regional events. In its first year, the Underrated Golf Tour will select each of the 24 best boys and girls compete for the Curry Cup at the season ending Underrated Tour Championship. In the coming years, Underrated Golf will continue to grow the participant pool; ultimately having a global footprint with the world’s best prospects.
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