The USA basketball team is currently preparing for the Olympics 2024 in Abu Dhabi. While the Olympians are in the UAE capital for training sessions and two test matches against Australia and Serbia, NBA stars Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker took advantage of a free afternoon for a round of golf. All three are regarded as excellent golfers.
Olympics 2024: Stephen Curry and Co. Compete on the Golf Course
Unsurprisingly, scratch golfer Stephen Curry certainly made an impression in Abu Dhabi: after all, the Golden State Warriors superstar won a celebrity tournament last year with the American Century Championship, including a hole-in-one. The 36-year-old was also presented with the Charlie Sifford Award this year for his extensive commitment and promotion of diversity in golf, named after the great campaigner against racism in golf who died in 2022. However, the four-time NBA champion will have to forgo defending his title at the American Century Championship due to the Olympics 2024.
Steph, Book & JT hit the course following today’s #USABMNT practice in Abu Dhabi! ⛳️ pic.twitter.com/ddAtoqgjG8
— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2024
Devin Booker, shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns, is also a passionate golfer and emphasized during the round of golf in Abu Dhabi that the sport helps him to find his “peace of mind”. Last year, the 27-year-old organized a celebrity golf tournament in which Jon Rahm, among others, took part. Jayson Tatum also has some experience on the golf course and took part in the FedEx St. Jude Pro-Am last August, for example. As part of his foundation, the newly crowned NBA champion from the Boston Celtics also organizes an annual charity golf tournament.
At the Summer Olympics, the USA basketball team is considered the big title favorite and is sending the NBA elite around LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to Europe after their disappointing performance at the Basketball World Cup. In Paris, the US basketball players are aiming for their fifth gold medal in a row. As the reigning world champions, Germany will face the USA in the knockout phase at the earliest.