When NBA star Stephen Curry and NBA Managing Director Grant Hill played golf in Abu Dhabi, it was more than just a casual game. The meeting, full of perspiration, resolve, and a hint of camaraderie, became the subject of discussion in the sports community. Curry, renowned for his basketball skills, has also gained recognition in the world of golf. But did Hill really outplay him? Let’s unravel the story behind this intriguing matchup.
Grant Hill’s surprising clarification
During a recent episode of “All The Smoke” with Rachel Nichols, Grant Hill set the record straight. “The incident wasn’t I beat Steph at golf. No. Steph is an incredible golfer, but we played in Abu Dhabi,” Hill began. Nichols quickly interjected, seeking clarity on whether Hill had actually defeated Curry. After a moment of hesitation, Hill confessed, “I won’t say that it was because I beat him. No, sorry, I did not beat him.” So, what exactly happened on that sweltering Abu Dhabi golf course?
View this post on Instagram
A game in the desert heat
Stephen Curry’s love for golf is no secret. The Warriors’ star has been swinging clubs since he was 10, showcasing skills that could easily rival professional golfers. Grant Hill, equally passionate about the sport, joined Curry for a round in the oppressive heat of Abu Dhabi. To illustrate the intensity of the conditions, Hill humorously compared it to “if Las Vegas and the summer of Orlando had a baby.”
“Abu Dhabi is on the Persian Gulf, so it’s incredibly humid. We were the only people out there golfing,” Hill recalled. Despite playing four rounds, Hill admitted defeat to the extreme weather. “After the fourth hole, I had to quit. It was too hot! I was sweating, it was miserable, wasn’t playing well… I had to change my shirt at the turn because it was so drenched that it was heavy,” he shared, offering this as his excuse for not completing the game.
The resilience of stephen curry
Playing against Stephen Curry in any sport is no easy feat. Curry’s dedication to golf is evident in his scratch golfer status, a distinction held by only about 2% of golfers worldwide. His prowess on the golf course is well-documented, with PGA Tour’s Jordan Spieth praising Curry’s potential. “He’d be one of the longest right away on the Champions Tour. He’d rip up par 5s,” Spieth remarked, highlighting Curry’s impressive skills.
But what truly sets Curry apart, according to Spieth, is his “clutch gene” and infectious joy for the game. This passion and determination are traits that have propelled Curry to greatness in basketball and golf alike.
The what-ifs of Curry’s career
Reflecting on Curry’s golf abilities, Butch Harmon Jr., a renowned golf instructor, stated, “He played in a Web.Com event and shot 74-74, which is remarkable for an athlete from another sport. There’s nobody on the PGA Tour that could go play in an NBA game, I guarantee you.” This feeling brings up a fascinating inquiry: What would have happened if Stephen Curry chose to focus on golf instead of basketball?
Curry has had a significant effect on basketball, completely transforming the sport with his exceptional shooting skills. Nevertheless, his innate ability for golf indicates that he could have reached comparable levels of success on the golf course. According to Harmon, Curry’s success in golf showcases his outstanding athleticism and versatility.
View this post on Instagram
A good-natured competition
The meeting in Abu Dhabi between Curry and Hill focused more on friendship than rivalry. Both athletes have a strong love for golf, and their performances showcased the mutual respect and friendship between them. Despite the difficult circumstances, their legendary careers gained another chapter from the experience.
Ultimately, Grant Hill’s explanation clears up any speculation about a sensational win against Stephen Curry. Instead, it emphasizes the mutual respect and admiration that these two icons share for each other, both in basketball and golf.
A long-lasting impact
Stephen Curry’s transition from playing on basketball courts to pursuing golf is a clear example of his flexibility and commitment. His love for golf, along with his drive to compete, still motivates both fans and fellow athletes. As frequently shown by Curry, it’s about more than just winning – it’s also about having fun and striving for personal improvement.
