Staff WriterIf you thought Stephen Curry’s only sweet swing was on the basketball court, think again.
The four-time NBA Champion and two-time MVP is back on the fairways—not with a driver in hand, but with a mission.
The R&A has partnered with the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour, a junior golf initiative founded by Curry himself, in a move that could shake up the game in all the right ways.
This isn’t just about adding a celebrity name to a cause. It’s about rewriting golf’s future—to make it more inclusive, more accessible, and a hell of a lot more inspiring for young players who’ve spent too long on the sidelines.
The UNDERRATED Golf European Tour was born from the belief that overlooked talent deserves a fair shot, and now, with The R&A throwing its considerable weight behind the project, the dream just got a whole lot bigger.
Alongside the partnership, Curry has been appointed as a Global Golf Development Ambassador for The R&A. Yes, the same man who’s redefined basketball range is now aiming to redefine golf’s reach—especially for young players from diverse backgrounds.
And he’s not going it alone. Joining him is former Ladies European Tour pro and respected broadcaster Henni Zuël, who knows her way around a fairway and a microphone. She, too, takes on the ambassador role, bringing both boots-on-the-ground experience and media muscle to the cause.
Henni puts it plainly: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of this powerful collaboration between The R&A and UNDERRATED Golf. This partnership is about so much more than just golf, it’s about changing lives, creating opportunities, and making sure every young person, no matter their background, can see a place for themselves in this sport.”
She’s seen the effect UNDERRATED Golf can have—not just in lowering handicaps, but in raising horizons.
“With The R&A’s support, we can reach even more young people, break down more barriers, and build a truly inclusive and exciting future for golf.” – Henni Zuël
It’s that word—inclusive—that keeps cropping up. And for good reason. According to Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, this isn’t just a feel-good partnership—it’s a strategic one.
“Our partnership with the UNDERRATED Golf Tour is an exciting step in continuing our mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive and appealing to a broader audience.
We’re inspired by the work Stephen Curry and the UNDERRATED Golf Tour have been doing and we believe by working together, we can connect with young people in meaningful ways, open up new pathways into the sport and provide opportunities for development, both on and off the course.”
Anderton adds: “We are also very much looking forward to working with Stephen and Henni in their roles as Global Golf Development Ambassadors for The R&A, as we work together to inspire the next generation of golfers around the world, and we’re excited for the months to come.”
Since launching in 2022, the UNDERRATED Golf Tour has grown faster than a Scotty Cameron putter sells out.
Its blend of competitive play, real-world mentorship, and professional development has made it a magnet for young talent—and not just on the course.
The R&A’s involvement aims to take that model even further, working with regional golf federations to help expand the Tour’s footprint across Europe and beyond.
The goals? Create tangible pathways for emerging players, amplify the game’s positive societal role, and—frankly—drag golf into the 21st century without losing its soul.
The 2025 season of the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour gets underway at Surrey’s Foxhills Golf Club from 28–30 May, with another stop slated for the legendary Fairmont St Andrews from 13–15 August.
Each event features 48 boys and 48 girls, showcasing the kind of potential that usually gets lost behind a paywall or postcode.
And for the best of the best? A trip to the States to play in the Curry Cup at Liberty National Golf Club—a golden ticket that’s about more than trophies. It’s about transformation.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with The R&A’s broader efforts, including its Just Swing campaign launched in March, which seeks to knock down outdated perceptions and show that golf can be fun, freeing, and open to all.
Pair that ethos with the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour, and you’ve got a compelling vision for where the sport could—and should—go next.
In a game too often criticised for exclusivity and slow change, this partnership is a rare birdie: a bold, tangible move that honours tradition while making room for a different kind of future.
And if Stephen Curry and Henni Zuël are on the tee box, it’s probably worth paying attention.
For more on The R&A’s partnership with the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour, visit www.randa.org.
