When Steph Curry talks about managing pain, people tend to listen. But his latest revelation has raised eyebrows across the sports world as he announced a cross-discipline activity that has helped him rehab his recent knee injury.
For one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Curry says that spending time out on the golf course is actually helping him rehabilitate his knee. The idea may not be as far-fetched as some skeptics may believe, so here’s what you should know about how dipping your toes in a different form of physical activity can actually assist in successful injury recovery.
Steph Curry’s Injury Update, NBA Status & Lingering Knee Issue
GettySTANFORD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 27: Stephen Curry attend the 6th annual Workday Charity Classic, hosted by Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. and Workday at Stanford Golf Course on August 27, 2025 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images for Eat. Learn. Play.)
Steph Curry’s 2026 season has been heavily disrupted by a lingering right knee issue that has been diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome, according to ESPN. Unlike structural injuries such as ligament tears and blunt fractures, the condition experienced by Curry is notoriously inconsistent. Some days, the knee may respond well to treatment, while other days may bring about pain and swelling that return without warning. Due to this uncertainty, Curry missed nearly a month of action which spanned 27 games and even saw him sitting out of the All-Star Game.
At the age of 38, Curry and the Golden State Warriors are prioritizing his long-term health over short-term returns. This means that the NBA icon has had to become creative with how he balances rehabilitation and physical therapy for his knee with activity that will keep him in shape for the NBA lineup. Even with setbacks, he has remained highly productive both on and off of the basketball court. When he’s been able to play, he’s averaged approximately 27 points per game in the 2026 season and has been an ongoing anchor for the Warriors’ offense.
How Golf Has Become a Key Part of Curry’s NBA Recovery
GettySTANFORD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 27: (L-R) Curt Bickley, Vice President, Nuna, Stephen Curry, Carlos Boozer, Jack McClinton and Brad Bickley, Global President, Nuna attend the 6th annual Workday Charity Classic, hosted by Stephen and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. and Workday at Stanford Golf Course on August 27, 2025 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images for Eat. Learn. Play.)
Rather than relying solely on traditional rehab and recovery efforts, Steph Curry has turned to one of his lifelong passions off of the court: golf. Speaking in a recent press conference, he referenced his medical team and coaching staff, saying, “They say golf helps my knee. Did my research… Hopefully rest will get me right heading into training camp.”
“They say golf helps my knee. Did my research… Hopefully rest will get me right heading into training camp.
“I don’t feel like there will be any long-term symptoms or anything.”
The connection between basketball and golf might seem unusual at first, but it makes sense from a physical standpoint. Golf offers low-impact physical movement and can provide ongoing activity for Curry to stay active without placing excessive stress on his knee. Walking the course can offer the added benefit of low-impact cardio conditioning, while the controlled rotational movements of the golf swing can improve flexibility and muscle stability. Plus, Curry isn’t just a casual golfer. He’s widely regarded as one of the top amateur players amongst professional athletes from all non-golf disciplines. His victory at the American Century Championship in 2023 highlights just how skilled he is on the course. Perhaps when Curry retires from the NBA, he can try his hand at the PGA Tour!
Steph Curry Says Golf Is His Secret Ingredient for NBA Success