One of the best things about golf is that players of different abilities can still play against each other with an even chance of winning, thanks to the handicap system.
That’s also why golf is unlike any other sport in that the professionals play with amateurs in the days leading up to tournaments. Indeed, pro-ams take place all the time on the PGA Tour.
Justin Thomas has participated in plenty of those throughout his career while also playing alongside some famous names in his own time.
He recently explained that one NBA player stands out from the rest…
Justin Thomas raves about NBA superstar’s golf ability
Thomas was asked about the best non-golf athletes he’s ever played with and initially praised Dallas Cowboys legend Tony Romo and former world number seven tennis player Mardy Fish.
The two-time PGA Champion then revealed that he was seriously impressed by Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry.
Curry’s handicap was +1.3 handicap in May last year, which is remarkable, considering he’s still one of the best basketball players in the world.
Thomas said: “I’ve played with Romo a good bit. Romo is really good. I would say if you put all those guys in 10 rounds, he is going to have a great chance. Mardy Fish is really good.
“I still think when Steph [Curry] is done playing and he can play more golf… I played with him a couple of times and he just did things and hit those shots where you’re like, ‘you have a freak talent.’
“It was just crazy good hands around the greens and just the little subtle adjustments and, man, I think if he was able to put more time into it, I think he would probably be the best consistent amateur athlete.”
How does Steph Curry’s golf game compare to other NBA players?
While there are not many similarities between basketball and golf, many past and present NBA players are excellent at both.
Besides Curry, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves might be the best golfer in the NBA today, with a handicap of 2, according to Complex.
Basketball legend Michael Jordan reportedly plays off three, while slam dunk icon Vince Carter’s handicap is 4.5.
Charles Barkley, Dwyane Wade and Jason Kidd are some of the other high-profile ex-NBA stars who play golf regularly.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
