Stephen Curry made a notable fashion statement when he arrived at Capital One Arena on Monday night as the Golden State Warriors visited the Washington Wizards.
Stephen Curry Has Been Helping the Howard Golf Program Since 2019
The four-time NBA champion showed up to the arena rocking the “Howard” Air Jordan 1s, a sneaker that carries deep meaning for Curry and his commitment to diversifying the game of golf. The footwear choice was a deliberate nod to Howard University, the renowned college located right there in Washington, D.C.
Stephen Curry arrives in the “Howard” Air Jordan 1s tonight in DC.
Curry has helped to fund both the men’s & women’s Howard Golf teams since 2019, helping return the program to Division 1 play after a 50 year hiatus. pic.twitter.com/3rEZVs4gdc
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) March 17, 2026
Curry’s connection to Howard dates back to August 2019, when he made a six-year, $6 million pledge to establish the university’s first NCAA Division I golf program. The announcement came after a chance encounter with Howard student Otis Ferguson IV during a campus visit earlier that year.
Ferguson, an avid golfer himself, had been trying for years to get a golf team started at Howard, printing flyers and holding interest meetings with little success. When he met Curry following a screening of the documentary “Emanuel,” Ferguson told the NBA star about his love of golf and his crusade to bring the sport to his school.
That conversation sparked something in Curry, who took up golf as a child alongside his father, Dell, and has remained passionate about the game ever since. Within months, Curry announced his commitment to fund both men’s and women’s golf programs at Howard.
The investment effectively resurrected a sport that had been absent from the university’s athletic offerings for roughly five decades. The program had previously only fielded Division II and club teams before going dormant entirely.
Howard hired Sam Puryear as director of golf in April 2020, bringing in a coach who had previously won a national championship at Stanford and a Big Ten title at Michigan State. Puryear became the first African American head coach at a Power Five Conference institution when he led Michigan State’s program back in 2008.
Under Puryear’s leadership, the Bison have emerged as one of the premier golf programs in the country. The men’s team captured back-to-back PGA Works Collegiate Championships in 2022 and 2023, claiming the national HBCU golf title.
Puryear has spoken extensively about what Curry’s involvement means beyond the financial contribution. The Golden State guard maintains regular communication with the program, trading texts with Puryear throughout the season and taking personal interest in the student-athletes.
The Howard Air Jordan 1 Low OG that Curry wore Monday night was released to the public in October 2024. The sneaker features the school’s signature navy, red, and white color scheme and represents the broader 20-year partnership between Jordan Brand and Howard University.
Curry himself was unable to suit up for the Warriors on Monday as he continues to recover from a runner’s knee that has sidelined him since January 30. The 38-year-old guard is averaging 27.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game this season when healthy.
Golden State improved its record to 33-35 after beating the Wizards. They are now sitting ninth in the Western Conference standings. The team hopes to have Curry back before the play-in tournament begins later this spring.
Even while unable to play, Curry found a way to make his presence felt and remind everyone of his ongoing commitment to expanding access to golf. The Underrated Junior Golf Tour, which Curry launched in 2022 with a $1.6 million investment, has further extended his efforts to diversify the game.
