The latest UNDERRATED Golf European Tour event concluded in impressive fashion last week, delivering two days of elite junior competition on the iconic Brabazon Course at The Belfry, and further cementing the Tour’s reputation as a leading platform to unite young and aspiring golfers.
Formed in 2022 by two-time MVP and four-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry, with a commitment to providing equity, access and opportunity for junior golfers, the Tour, which is open to boys and girls aged 12-18, has become a movement for inclusiveness with diverse communities significantly underrepresented in golf.
UNDERRATED’s vision is to open up more avenues for kids to play the game, while also trying to close the gender gap by providing girls and young women the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Building off the momentum of its first two seasons, the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour continues its mission to elevate emerging junior golfers across Europe while expanding access to one of the world’s most tradition-rich sports. Season three marks another major milestone in Curry’s long-term vision to create a truly global platform for young golfers who deserve greater visibility and opportunity within the game.
Jason Richards, Athletic Director of UNDERRATED Golf, said: “The Belfry was the perfect place to open Season 3 of the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour and continue building on Stephen’s vision for this platform.
“These players showed exactly why this Tour exists. They competed with confidence, supported one another and proved they belong on some of the biggest stages in the game. With partners like Fujikura helping us provide real access to elite resources, we’re not just creating tournament opportunities. We’re helping young golfers see what is possible for their futures, both on and off the course.”
A key factor in the week’s success was the support of UNDERRATED partners, including the global leaders in golf shaft innovation, Fujikura Composites America, who are committed to supporting the UNDERRATED Golf Tour throughout 2026 and 2027.
Fitting specialists from Fujikura were on-site throughout the event providing custom-fitting experiences for all the competitors. Across the week, Fujikura fitted 65 boys and girls at The Belfry, giving participants access to industry-leading equipment expertise and performance support.
Tim Daniels, Marketing Manager at Fujikura, said: “We are now in our second year of support for the UNDERRATED Golf Tour, where we offer all players on-site driver fittings and guidance in an area where they may not have previously had it.
“Fitting details of all players were logged and each will receive a Fujikura VENTUS shaft in their spec – and we were delighted to see so many positive gains and immediate improvements from the fittings.
“It was hugely inspiring to see so many talented junior golfers at The Belfry – one of the game’s most celebrated tournament venues – displaying the unity that is the hallmark of UNDERRATED Golf.
“It has been an honor to be present and support these young golfers and we look forward to offering the same service at future UNDERRATED events throughout 2026 and 2027. Our goal is to support them on their journey to the next level of their game and their career. Whether they’re competing on Tour or striving for personal bests, we’re committed to providing the support and game-enhancing performance shafts they need to get there.”
Rodriguez and Fernandez shine at The Belfry – Widely regarded as one of the most historic venues in European golf, The Belfry provided the perfect setting for the opening stop of the 2026 season. As the four-time host of the Ryder Cup and home of the British Masters, The Belfry’s legendary Brabazon Course has long been associated with pressure-packed moments, elite competition and golf history.
In the boys division, Californian Andrew Rodriguez emerged victorious – three shots ahead of England’s Jordan Ringer – following two days of outstanding golf, while Isabella Fernandez – also from California – claimed the girls title with a hugely impressive performance, winning by nine shots ahead of Julia Herzberg.
Rodriguez shot the low round of the tournament in the event’s opening round, carding a three-under-par 69 to stay ahead of the field. Despite Ringer closing the gap to two shots midway through the second round, Rodriguez was able to close out victory in style after following up an eagle on the par-5 5th with a birdie on 16.
A plus four handicapper, Rodriguez had been fitted by Fujikura into a VENTUS Blue shaft during last year’s UNDERRATED Golf Tour and continued to put the shaft into play during his Belfry success.
Meanwhile, in the girls’ event, Fernandez headed into the second round in a tie at the top of the leaderboard with Welsh international, Isobel Kelly. But in testing conditions, Fernandez fired a hugely impressive one-under-par 71 as the chasing pack failed to mount a challenge.
The English duo of Ringer and Mo Craig were crowned the top Europeans from the boys’ event, with Sommer Chan – also from England -and Shania Breinhoelder from the Czech Republic topping the girls. All four players have won their spots to compete at the end-of-season Curry Cup, which will be played at Bethpage Black in September.
The UNDERRATED Golf Tour will now return to the United States for the next stretch of tournaments before the season-ending stop at Bethpage Black, with upcoming events scheduled at:
- University of Florida: Gainesville, Florida, June 30-July 2
- Troon North Golf Club: Scottsdale, Arizona, July 13-15
- Seaview Golf Club: Galloway, New Jersey, July 21-23
- Hillcrest Golf Club: Los Angeles, California, August 2-4
ABOUT FUJIKURA
Based in Carlsbad, CA, Fujikura Composites America has become the leading name in composite shaft innovation. The company’s mission is to produce the ‘World’s Best Performance Shafts’ and bring enjoyment to all golfers. Introduced in 2019, Fujikura’s VENTUS remains the brand’s best-selling shaft line and the #1 driver shaft on Tour in four different launches: White (high), Red (mid / high), Blue (mid), Black (low). The brand has registered countless global wins with its first Major Championship coming in 2001. While success at the top of the game continues with many of the world’s best players trusting the brand’s innovation, integrity and leadership, Fujikura remains dedicated to improving the game for all levels of golfer through various product iterations and ground-breaking developments.
For more information on Fujikura and its products, please visit the website at www.fujikuragolf.com
ABOUT UNDERRATED
UNDERRATED Golf, established by Stephen Curry in 2022, is a purpose-driven platform committed to expanding equity, access and opportunity in the game of golf for student-athletes from underrepresented communities and female players. Inspired by Curry’s own journey as an overlooked athlete, the initiative celebrates the underdog while working to level the playing field in a sport where opportunity has historically been limited. Through a competitive junior golf tour, mentorship programming and career development initiatives, UNDERRATED Golf provides talented young golfers with a national stage to gain exposure, build meaningful connections and unlock pathways to success on and off the course.
For more information, please visit www.underrated.golf, and connect on social media via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
UNDERRATED Media Contacts:
UNDERRATED Golf // Stephen Curry
Tom Dietz // Stephen Baruch
Key notes for editors: UNDERRATED at The Belfry
- Junior golfers from across Europe competed in a 2-day, 36-hole tournament for the opportunity to earn a coveted spot in the 2026 Curry Cup, taking place September 15-17 at the legendary Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York;
- Players competed at one of Europe’s most celebrated golf venues, gaining firsthand experience on the same course that has hosted Ryder Cups and some of the sport’s greatest champions;
- Throughout the week, junior golfer participants connected with ambassadors and industry leaders while learning more about pathways and careers within the golf industry;
- Henni Züel, Ladies European Tour Professional Golfer, broadcaster and The R&A Ambassador, attended the tournament as an UNDERRATED Golf European Ambassador, continuing to support and mentor players throughout the week;
- Gareth Bale, five-time UEFA Champions League winner and lifelong golf enthusiast, also returned as an ambassador for Season 3, helping further expand the tour’s visibility and impact across Europe while connecting directly with participating athletes;
- Tommy Fleetwood, one of England’s most accomplished golfers, known for his success on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, along with multiple Ryder Cup appearances for Team Europe was out at The Belfry supporting the UNDERRATED Golf European Tour.
ASSETS
All photos and videos are “Courtesy of UNDERRATED Golf
