SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – It’s the offseason for sports at Notre Dame, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything happening on campus.
NBA superstar Steph Curry has brought his Underrated Golf Tour to South Bend, with the first round taking place on Tuesday at Warren Golf Course.
The atmosphere was great, as 96 athletes tee’d off to walk-up songs.
Beyond the fun, this experience is about more than just golf — it’s a life-changing opportunity.
“We provide a platform,” said Underrated Golf Tour Ambassador Will Lowery. “When you think about kids who come from a different clubhouse, they may not have the opportunity to be seen. They might not have the money, the finances, whatever hurdles or barriers that’s keeping them from being seen or showcasing their talent. Thanks to Steph’s vision and start of providing an opportunity.”
In its third season, the Underrated Golf Tour features the University of Notre Dame as its first college course, and the athletes hope this will attract more attention to the tournament.
“I know that a lot of people don’t really know what Underrated is, and I hope Underrated gets its publicity,” said Sehlai Purcell, who is in her second year on the tour. “I’ve been telling all my friends, all my younger golf friends that they should be coming to Underrated and having this opportunity because it’s something once in a lifetime.”
Some of the kids are international, and the 2023 Curry Cup winner gets to experience a new area alongside some of the best golfers.
“I’m from England, and these Underrated kids and staff have been my family for two years now, and it’s lovely to be around them, and it’s always a warm environment,” said Roison Scalon.
The main purpose of these events is to showcase young golfers and provide them with doors that haven’t been opened before.
“This can be the place where they can come and display the skill set without having to worry about the stuff that I couldn’t avoid when I was a kid,” Lowery said.
The tournament continues through Wednesday, when the top 24 boys and girls will secure their spots to compete for the Curry Cup, which will take place outside of the Bay Area before moving to the Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey from Sept. 2 through Sept. 5.