The UNDERRATED Golf’s European Tour event concluded in impressive fashion at The Belfry last week, delivering two days of elite junior competition on the iconic Brabazon Course, and further cementing the Tour’s reputation as a leading platform to unite young and aspiring golfers.
Formed in 2022 by 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.
A key factor in the week’s success was the support of UNDERRATED partners, including leading shaft brand Fujikura Composites America, which is 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.
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.”
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 also hugely inspiring to see so many talented junior golfers at The Belfry, displaying the unity that is the hallmark of UNDERRATED Golf. It has been an honour 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.”
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
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 2025 Ryder Cup venue Bethpage Black in New York from September 15-17.