Golf: Golf invitation suits basketball star to a tee

Stephen Curry plays off a 2.2 handicap. Photo / AP

Golden State Warriors NBA star Stephen Curry has accepted a sponsor's invite to compete in the Ellie Mae Classic on the secondary Web.com Tour.

The Warriors guard, who has a handicap of 2.2, will contest the event - which benefits the Warriors Community Foundation - at TPC Stonebrae from August 3-6.

"When I found out I was getting a sponsor exemption, I had a lot of emotions because I love to play golf. It's a passion of mine," Curry said.

"But to be able to play against the next and best golf professionals will be a huge honour and huge treat.

"I'm looking forward to hopefully not embarrassing myself, but mostly having a lot of fun and hopefully raising a lot of money for the foundation."

It is not the first time that tournament officials have offered an invitation to one of the Bay Area's biggest sports figures. Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice made three appearances in the event, missing the cut each time.

Curry has previously spoken about his ambition to become a professional golfer after his career in basketball is over.

"I've thought about it," Curry said on former Ryder Cup player David Feherty's Golf Channel programme.

"I'm very sensitive to the experience of the PGA Tour guys out there who have dedicated their life to what they do, just like I have with basketball.

"I don't think I could, obviously, just jump out there; it'd be a lot of work that would go into it," he said.