Warriors G Stephen Curry this week accepted an invitation to play in the Web.com Tour's Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae in Hayward, Ca. Curry, an avid golfer with a 2 handicap, will maintain his amateur status in the event, played the first week in August, and will compete on an unrestricted sponsor exemption (Web.com). In S.F., Ron Kroichick notes the Ellie Mae Classic "benefits the Warriors Community Foundation." Tournament Dir Trish Gregovich "reached out to team officials in early June, during the NBA Finals," and Curry "quickly accepted the invitation" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/29). GOLF DIGEST's Joel Beall noted "within minutes" of Curry's participation hitting the news cycle, Twitter takes were "passionate and plentiful." But one of the intentions behind sponsor's exemptions, "particularly at the minor-league level, is to drum up interest for the event." In that regard, this move is an "unmitigated success" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 6/28). Golf Channel's Ryan Burr: "Say what you want to say, it is going to attract a lot of eyeballs just to see how Steph can hang with the Web's best, which are pretty good and on a weekly basis” (“Golf Central,” Golf Channel, 6/28). Kroichick notes Twitter "bubbled with reaction." Much of it was "negative, from insular, hard-core golf fans bemoaning that Curry was taking away a spot from a deserving pro." But Curry will "bring interest and attention to an under-the-radar event." It was a "complete no-brainer to invite him," as he will "draw big crowds, sign lots of autographs and get people talking about the Ellie Mae Classic" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/29).
TWITTER REAX: PGA Tour caddie Kip Henley wrote, "I get why the Web Event is inviting Curry into their field and I think it's a good idea.The 1st alternate that went through QSchool may not." The N.Y. Post's Mark Cannizzaro: "I get it that golf tourneys r trying to sell tix, but letting Steph Curry into a @WebDotComTour event taking a spot from legit pro is wrong." Golfer Lee McCoy: "So many great players could use that chance. Sad." But golf writer Ron Mintz wrote, "Web.com needs more fans. Curry sells tickets, brings attention to this tour. More fans equals increased prize money." Golf Digest's Joel Beall wrote he is "amazed" by the Curry blowback. Most Web.com exemptions "go to locals that lack merit" of the tour's regulars. Beall: "Sponsors spots are set aside to promote the event. If anything Curry is justifiable." PGA Tour Wyndham Championship Tournament Dir Mark Brazil wrote the exemption will give the Web.com event "exposure never seen before." Brazil: "Exemptions are meant for this!!!"
