Stephen Curry doesn’t get nervous easily — at least not on the basketball court. But just days ahead of his return to the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, the four-time NBA champion admitted to a rare case of jitters. Not because of Charles Barkley’s trash talk. Not even because he’s returning to defend his walk-off eagle win from 2023. No — Curry’s nerves stem from his new golf partner, someone he’s already calling “the GOAT of women’s golf.”

In a recently shared video, the Warriors star announced a collaboration with 17-year-old social media phenom Gabriella DeGasperis — better known online as Gabby Golf Girl — as part of a new Callaway Golf partnership. “I know y’all have been waiting, and I got an amazing announcement. I’m kinda nervous, like… I’m gonna be on the same team as the GOAT of women’s golf. Y’all know who i’m talking about – Gabby Golf Girl.”

Gabriella isn’t just a content creator with nearly a million followers on Instagram and over 180K YouTube subscribers — she’s a relentless worker with a schedule that mirrors Curry’s own drive. She tees off at sunrise, finishes 18 holes in 90 minutes, studies analytics between filming swing tips, and edits her own videos before tackling homework into the night.

Her work ethic has already earned recognition beyond the golf world. Charles Schwab recently spotlighted her as part of its “Challengers Series,” citing her maturity, passion for the game, and ability to connect with younger players. For Curry, this isn’t just a crossover — it’s a real challenge.

Turns out, Steph will face the social media star in a golf 1V1, the video of which will be up on Gabby’s YouTube channel soon.

Even she was ecstatic to collaborate with the four-time champ. “I’m super excited to announce that I’m gonna be Team Callaway. Super excited to join the family,” she shared. Gabby even shared the video on her IG, captioned, “Team @callawaygolf with @stephencurry30! So excited for this next chapter…”

Well, some pre-tournament action to test his golf swing might have been exactly what Steph needed before he got back on the grass to defend his 2023 title. Especially with the tough competition waiting on the other side, that includes Charles Barkley.

Stephen Curry not “ducking” Charles Barkley anymore as he returns to defend 2023 title

Two summers ago, Steph made history by winning the ACC tournament and beating over ninety tough participants. Sure enough, he did it in the most Steph way possible – with a walk-off eagle. Unfortunately, he was unable to return last year to defend his title because he was busy winning an Olympic gold for his country.

But Charles Barkley, who was also a participant in the tournament, used Steph’s absence as an opportunity to fire shots at him. “Steph Curry, you a coward. You are ducking me; you knew I was going to beat you this year. You thought you were going to skate because you’re going to the Olympics? What kind of weak excuse is that? You’re going to the Olympics. You are ducking me, Steph Curry. You’re a coward!” the Hall of Famer remarked, of course, all in good fun.

Well, Steph is not “ducking” anymore and is ready to silence Chuckster once and for all. With the return of the Warriors star, the list is absolutely stacked, including Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo, Larry the Cable Guy, and more.

Whether he’s taking on NBA legends or teenage phenoms, Curry’s offseason is far from quiet. He’s defending his title, sharpening his swing, and maybe, just maybe, trying not to get shown up by a 16-year-old who’s already treating golf like a full-time business.  With the tournament teeing off July 9, the stakes are as entertaining as they are competitive. Can Steph repeat? Will Barkley land his long-awaited revenge? And how will the Gabby Golf Girl collab play out?

Curry might be back on the green — but there’s nothing casual about this summer swing.