BY MARK JORDAN
As an advocate for growing participation in the game of golf, I had the opportunity to cover the UNDERRATED Golf Tour, at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, July 6-8. The Tour was created by four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, Steph Curry. The 2023 tour kicked off June 25 in West Palm Beach, Fla.
For eight young adults, Steph Curry’s Underrated Tour has made a difference in their lives. Getting to know peers from across the country…and yes even from around the globe, spending time with them morning, noon and night; at the practice facility, on the course and eating together it’s been a great deal of fun. The following questions were asked to the eight young adults and below are overall responses:
How were they introduced to the tour?
General comments – Many of the participants were invited to play by pro golfer Will Lowery
“I found out about the Underrated Tour after my dad heard about through Will Lowry.” Said Michael Vital from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His friend, Charles Watts III from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Learned about the tour through a lady in his hometown. “She had contacts with some of the staff and got me into the tournaments and onto the Tour”.
How has the experience been so far?
General Comments – The tour has been a great experience EVERYONE is so nice and helpful.
Outside of the ability to play competitive golf around the country, the camaraderie that is developed off the course is developing lifelong skills and relationship
“The networking and socialization you have with fellow participants has that been a big benefit. Everyone is very nice and friendly and help me fit in and feel comfortable to play.” Said second year player Alana Hall who is originally from Baltimore, Maryland but lives in Florida now and is headed to Lehigh University this fall to pursue a major in Civil Engineering. “ I do like the experience, when I came back this year, it was super cool to see everyone again and make new friends with the first year players.
“There have opportunities for you to learn and understand different pathways in life that aren’t just on the golf course; yes, everybody wants to be a professional, but realistically not everybody’s going to make it so it’s good to know what you can do in relation to learning and careers.” Said Roisin Scanlan England.
Tell us about your experience playing Firestone Country Club.
General Comments – They were awed by playing such a great place where many of them watched Tiger Woods Play. It was a tough test of golf, but the experience was great.
“Frankly, it’s been a great experience, like I’m getting to play Firestone, I never dreamed I could play here. It’s like such a top caliber course and honestly, it’s a lovely course, but it is tough if you if you can’t strike it down the fairway.” Said Duncan Reid from Lawrenceville, Georgia.
“It’s a really tight and hard to score. I struggled, but it’s crazy, I’ve seen tiger play the course and I can’t believe I’m playing here it’s really crazy yeah, I think it’s a really cool experience to be playing the same golf course that they played in like similar conditions.” Said Nicole Sardihna from Venezuela.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
“I definitely want to play Division One college golf after that get my degree and if my game is there I’m going to try to join the tour and just play as much as I can professionally yeah I mean everyone dreams to play professional golf so I’m definitely giving it my best shot to play pro golf, its been a dream of mine.” Said Mahamed Ibrahim, a high school sophomore from Culver City, California.
“My first goal is going to really good college, I’m just starting high school right now so that’s really my main goal and I really want to make good grades and go to a good college and play at a good university. I want to get a really good amateur ranking and then go professional.” Said Said Nicole Sardihna from Venezuela.
What advice would you give those who may be asked to join the Tour?
“I would tell them to just make sure you’re having a a fun fun time you know it all at the end of the day it is competitive ball so you know focus on your game while you’re out there but you know let loose you know it’s a once in a lifetime experience.” Charles Watts III from Rancho Cucamonga, California.
“I would say just have fun playing the sport you love to play!” – Michael Vital from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
“Once you get on the tour everything is just amazing, I mean the opportunities together with the people you meet, and the golf courses you play.” – Nicole Sardihna from Venezuela.
“I was really excited about the opportunity, but I was like flying you know across the world and to meet people, I didn’t know anyone, so I was sort of nervous coming here, but everyone’s been so comforting and the golf courses and the opportunity that you get is unbelievable. It’s like everyone’s family here, so I think even if they’re hesitant about it they should go for it.” – Roisin Scanlan from England
“I mean what’s there to lose, right? you could just give it your shot I mean that’s what I would say. I think the biggest thing is not just playing tournaments because these are high level competitors out here on tough tracks. So even if your game isn’t there, you’re gaining an experience from club professionals from business leaders and from people that know golf on the course and off. You gain experience in the business side of things, right? If you’re not the best and you play with people who are better than you, you’ll start playing better.” -Mahamed Ibrahim from Culver City, California
“I mean there’s really no reason not to join the whole experience is great.”- Duncan Reid – Lawrenceville, Georgia.
“I say go for it there’s so many experiences there’s so many opportunities that have opened up right now because I’m on the tour, I have played great courses and have very fun and unique experiences…so don’t be scared, like a lot of said everyone’s very welcoming.” – Maleah Clark from Beaumont, California
“Yeah, I would also just saying go for it! I mean like you get to play all of these courses and if you like make it to the Curry Cup you get all these like exemptions and if you win like you get stars and it opens up other opportunities in the AJGA. Just play, it will help you focus on the game of golf.” – Alana Hall from Florida.
Steph Curry’s Remarks To The Press – note there were a few basketball related questions that were asked.
“It was great to host the event at Firestone, the history here especially with tigers shot on 18. There are lots of good things going on as far as the experiences we are trying to create for these young men and women, so we are excited this is a stop on the tour.”
“Creating opportunities to introduce the participants to possibilities of careers in golf outside of being a professional. There are many opportunities that exist.”
Mark Jordan is Natural Resource Leader at Westfield Country Club. He is an Advocate for everything good about the game of golf and golf course management and is currently on the board of GCSAA as Immediate Past President.
