The NBA season keeps moving, even when its biggest names step away from the court. Stephen Curry is doing exactly that right now, but his influence hasn’t slowed down.
This week, the Golden State Warriors guard confirmed the full schedule for the UNDERRATED Golf Tour in 2026, setting up its fifth season with stops across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Florida and Arizona.
Curry has now missed 18 consecutive games due to patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his right knee. Before stepping out, he was still producing at a high level, averaging 27.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds across 39 games in his 17th NBA season.
The Warriors, currently sitting at 33-35, recently secured a win over the Washington Wizards, but the absence of their leader continues to shape the team’s rhythm.
At the same time, Curry has leaned into a different kind of impact, one that extends well beyond basketball.
Underrated: The 2026 schedule and key locations
The upcoming tour will make stops in Gainesville, Scottsdale, Galloway, Los Angeles and New York. The season builds toward a final event at the iconic Bethpage Black Golf Course, a venue known for hosting major competitions like the Ryder Cup.
Curry shared the vision behind the tour while announcing the schedule, describing how the season progresses and what players are working toward.
All season long, we compete, we grow, we earn it, and it all leads to Curry Cup
The idea is simple but powerful. Create a clear path, give players real opportunities, and let performance decide what comes next.
A growing platform in golf development
Since launching its first competition in 2022, the UNDERRATED Golf Tour has steadily gained ground. In just four seasons, it has reached 16 stops and helped produce 83 players who are now competing at the college level.
That kind of progression matters in a sport where access has not always been equal. Through his partnership with Mariah Stackhouse, Curry has helped shape a system that focuses on both exposure and long-term development.
Organizations like the PGA Tour and coverage from ESPN have pointed to a growing push to expand golf’s pipeline. Compared to its earlier seasons, the 2026 version of the tour feels more established, with bigger venues and a wider reach.
Why this expansion stands out
This year’s schedule signals a shift. It is not just about opening doors anymore. It is about stepping into bigger spaces and showing that these players belong there.
Moving into well-known courses and larger markets adds credibility, visibility and a different level of expectation.
At the same time, the results are already there. Dozens of players have transitioned into college golf, giving the tour a measurable impact that goes beyond its mission statement.
What comes into focus next
Curry is expected to remain sidelined in the short term as the Warriors continue their road trip, including an upcoming matchup against the Boston Celtics.
Meanwhile, preparation for the 2026 tour is expected to ramp up, with qualifiers and player selection likely following the same structure as previous seasons.
For Curry, this stretch is unfolding in two directions. One is paused for now. The other is building something that looks increasingly difficult to overlook.
This article is based on official statements from Stephen Curry, publicly available 2025-26 NBA season statistics, and contextual reporting from ESPN and the PGA Tour regarding youth golf development initiatives.
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