Steph Curry to receive Charlie Sifford Award for advancing diversity in golf

Stephen Curry, the renowned basketball player from the Golden State Warriors, has been honored with the prestigious Charlie Sifford Award for his exceptional efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the world of golf. This recognition is a testament to Curry’s remarkable contributions towards ensuring equal opportunities and access to the sport for high school athletes from all backgrounds.

Two years ago, Curry launched “Underrated Golf,” a movement dedicated to providing equity and opening doors for aspiring golfers from diverse communities. Additionally, he went a step further by financially supporting the golf team at Howard University, a historically Black institution, for six years. This initiative allowed the university to compete at the Division I level, marking a significant milestone considering they had not had a golf team since the 1970s.

The award will be presented to Curry during the World Golf Hall of Fame ceremony at Pinehurst, North Carolina, on June 10, just before the start of the U.S. Open. This recognition holds tremendous significance, as it commemorates the pioneering accomplishments of Charlie Sifford, who broke barriers by becoming the first Black player to join the PGA Tour in 1961. Sifford was later inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Charlie Sifford Award was established in 2021 to honor individuals who exemplify his tenacity, confidence, respect, and adaptability.

Expressing his gratitude and humility, Curry stated, “I am incredibly honored to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award. Golf is a sport that I am deeply passionate about, and I firmly believe that we have the power to expand its reach by providing equal opportunities and access to young golfers who possess the same drive, dedication, and determination that many of us on the course share.”

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