Curry will not defend ACC golf title this summer

A chance to play basketball on the Olympic stage means that Stephen Curry will not be able to play in the American Century Classic celebrity golf tournament, where he is the defending champion.

The event confirmed Curry’s non-participation in a Tuesday news release.

“I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to defend my title at the American Century Championship in Tahoe this summer, but the chance to represent my country and, hopefully, win an Olympic gold medal the first time at the 2024 Games in Paris is an opportunity that I simply could not pass up,” Curry said in a statement.

Curry, an NBA standout with the Golden State Warriors, won the 2023 ACC title by carding four eagles in three rounds, including a hole-in-one during the second round and a do-or-die, 18-foot putt on the final hole of the event.

He became the first active athlete in 23 years to claim the title (joining Al Del Greco of the Tennessee Titans).

More than 84 sports and entertainment figures are scheduled to compete at the 2024 tournament, set for July 12-14 at Edgewood Tahoe. The three-day, 54-hole tournament awards a $750,000 purse, with $150,000 to the winner, along with a charity component for local and national non-profits.