HAYWARD — Stephen Curry was chilling. He played a round of 18 holes to practice for his foray into professional golf. Starting Thursday, Curry will compete on a sponsor’s exemption in the Web.com’s Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae. But he wasn’t, as he calls it, “locked in.” Not this morning, as Tuesday’s 90-degree heat way up in the Hayward Hills beat down on his threesome and bronzed his exposed forearms.



Nothing said Curry taking it easy like throwing the ball from the rough onto the fairway, which he did a few times. On the putting green at the 14th hole, Nick Rousey, a pro on the Web.com Tour, helped Curry with his putting rhythm. As Curry stood over the ball, Rousey waved his fist to a beat only they can hear, helping Curry even out the swing on his putt.



This practice round felt like practice as he signed a couple autographs, traded stories with tour pros and entertained stalking media. It’s light now, but he...