Stephen Curry outperformed expectations at the Ellie Mae Classic

Stephen Curry made his Web.com Tour debut at the Ellie Mae Classic – and outperformed almost every expectation we had.

When Stephen Curry was announced as a sponsor’s exemption into the Web.com Tour’s Ellie Mae Classic, the responses were mixed, at best. The most negative response was, surprising nobody, “he’s taking a spot from a ‘real’ golfer”!

Put aside, for the moment, the silliness of that statement – sponsor’s exemptions are frequently used to bring in more fans, not necessarily find sleeper picks. Curry plays to a scratch handicap, and the tournament is being played at TPC Stonebrae. That’s about a 30-minute drive in California traffic from Oracle Arena, the home of Curry’s NBA Champion Golden State Warriors.

While he never truly competed, he didn’t embarrass himself, either. Curry shot four-over 74 in both rounds he played, missing the cut by 11 shots. He did finish ahead of four players, including five-time Web.com Tour winner Matthew Goggin, and Colt McNealy, incoming Stanford freshman and younger brother of the No. 2-ranked amateur in the world, Maverick McNealy.

Andrew Yun (65-62) leads the championship at -13, followed by Brandon Harkins at -11. Nicholas Thompson, older brother of LPGA star Lexi, heads a host of contenders at -10. Curry will return to his day job of “NBA superstar” and clear the way for these fine pros to do what they do best this weekend.

Stephen Curry impressed pros and fans alike this week

Was it perfect? Of course not, but it’s exactly what we should have hoped to see. Curry more than held up his end of the bargain, and proved once again what the difference between a scratch golfer and a touring pro can be. But he also proved that his passion for the sport is real, and changed a few minds along the way.

Some of the best players in the world took notice, as the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational had several rain delays during which players could catch up on the action.

"“To be honest, I think it’s pretty special for a two-time MVP to be able to shoot 74 at a pro event and beat other pros,” former PGA champion Jason Day said.“Clearly, he is [a good golfer],” Zach Johnson said. “I don’t know that golf course. Someone said they shoot pretty low there often, but it doesn’t matter. You’ve still got to put the ball in the hole. First round as an amateur in a professional tournament? That’s pretty good.”"

That’s high praise, indeed, coming from guys who know what the pressure of golf’s biggest stages can do to a player.

While Curry’s first foray in to professional golf is over, hopefully we’ll get a chance to see more of him in the future. And here’s hoping he continues to bring legions of fans with him.

Next: 2017 Women's British Open: IK Kim leading at Kingsbarns

Do you think that bringing in more players like Stephen Curry – high-level golfers from other realms of entertainment – can be good for golf in the long run? Let us know!