Stephen Curry has long been celebrated not only as an extraordinary NBA player but also as a skilled golfer, making the debate over the
“Stephen Curry best golfer debate with J.R. Smith”
increasingly popular. On May 24, 2025, J.R. Smith, known for his insider perspective in both basketball and golf, challenged the widespread assumption that Curry is the top golfer among NBA athletes. Instead, Smith pointed to an unexpected contender, Gerald Henderson Jr., as a serious rival who might outplay Curry on the golf course.
Curry’s longstanding connection to golf began during his childhood, and he now boasts a scratch handicap, indicating an ability to shoot par or better—a benchmark that less than 2% of amateur golfers reach. Despite this impressive skill set, Smith’s nomination of Henderson stirred considerable surprise and curiosity within the sports community.
J.R. Smith’s endorsement of Gerald Henderson Jr. as a top golfer
In a recent interview on the podcast Whiskey Ginger with Andrew Santino, J.R. Smith weighed in on who ranks as the best golfer among players like Curry and Ray Allen. He said,
“It’s a tough competition between him (Steph Curry) and Ray (Ray Allen),”
before adding unexpectedly,
“But you know honestly, you know who’s the best golfer, Gerald Henderson.”
This revelation prompted many listeners to question which Gerald Henderson Smith was referring to. He clarified that it was Gerald Henderson Jr., who attended Duke University and played for the Charlotte Hornets when they were still known as the Bobcats. This younger Henderson follows in the footsteps of his father, Hall of Famer Gerald Henderson Sr., who was also an accomplished amateur golfer, suggesting that golfing talent might be a family trait.
Stephen Curry’s dedication and talent in golf
Stephen Curry’s passion for golf runs deep despite his prominence on the basketball court as a four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. Curry has described golf as a game that
“brings a lot out of you,”
revealing the emotional connection he feels beyond his basketball accolades.
Though naturally gifted, Curry has also invested considerable effort in improving his golf game. He trained with renowned golf coach Butch Harmon, who praised Curry’s ability by saying,
“He’s an incredibly talented golfer, with tremendous, natural ability.”
Harmon also noted,
“He(Curry) played in a Web.Com event and shot 74-74, which is remarkable for an athlete from another sport…”
Such endorsements illustrate that Curry’s accomplishments in golf have earned respect within professional golf circles.
The challenge: Between natural talent and unexpected contenders
J.R. Smith’s bold claim that Gerald Henderson Jr. might be the best golfer in the NBA complicates the prevailing image of Curry as the undisputed golf star among basketball players. While Henderson’s family legacy in golf is notable, the younger player’s golfing achievements still fly under the radar compared to Curry’s well-documented skills and training.
This challenge fuels an intriguing debate in sports circles, especially considering that both men have strong basketball and golf backgrounds, creating a rare crossover of athleticism and precision in two demanding sports.
What lies ahead in the Stephen Curry golf debate?
The discussion sparked by J.R. Smith invites fans and analysts alike to reconsider their perceptions about who holds the unofficial title of best golfer in the NBA. Although Curry remains a highly skilled and lauded golfer, the emergence of figures like Gerald Henderson Jr. introduces new layers to this debate and encourages deeper attention to the golfing skills of NBA players beyond the court.
As the golf season progresses and NBA players continue to showcase their talents in this sport, questions about who truly reigns supreme in the golf world may inspire future competitions or challenges. At the very least, J.R. Smith’s comments have revived interest in the golf abilities of NBA stars, enriching the conversation between basketball and golf fans alike.