Here are the nine NBA players who’ve used their offseasons – and probably many of their off days during the season – most successfully to hone their golf games:Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Curry made his first tournament appearance over the summer at his family’s Curry Celebrity Classic, then he tied for fourth at the American Century Championship, the annual celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. He actually sat atop the leaderboard after the second round, but posted a 3-over-par 75 on the last day to fall back. Still, he was the top active athlete, and improved from his T-28 finish in 2010. Curry says he has a two handicap, aided by three years on his high school golf team.
Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry watches ball after making a shot in the Johnny Miller Pro-Am, at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015. The event is part of the Frys.com Open golf tournament. (John Green/Bay Area News Group)
Ray Allen, Free Agent
The two-time NBA Champion and 10-time NBA All-Star puts on a golf tourney benefiting the Ray of Hope Foundation every year, is a regular in the annual Lake Tahoe celebrity event (37th in 2013, T23 in 2011) and was ranked as the top current NBA player in Golf Digest’s 2009 list of top athlete golfers.
Kyle Korver, Atlanta Hawks
Also known to host golf tournaments for his Kyle Korver Foundation, Korver’s handicap has been reported to be anywhere from five to eight.
Deron Williams, Dallas Mavericks
Williams is also a regular in Lake Tahoe, where he debuted in 2011 and tied for 46th overall, second among active NBA players behind Allen. He says he’s dabbled in golf for only six years, but has about an eight handicap.