Thompson takes lead in Hayward

Oh, wait. There are 155 other golfers in this week’s Ellie Mae Classic?

Yes, an actual Web.com Tour event unfolded Thursday at TPC Stonebrae in Hayward, away from the Warriors-clad crowd following Stephen Curry. In that realm, Nicholas Thompson seized a one-stroke lead, shooting a 7-under-par 63.

Thompson, 34, has spent seven full seasons on the PGA Tour. He’s probably best known as the brother of Lexi Thompson, the secondranked women’s player in the world.

Nicholas Thompson’s season was shortened by injuries in 2016, but he has made 16 starts this season on the Web.com Tour. He stands No. 34 on the money list, meaning he needs a strong finish to climb into the top 25 and earn a promotion back to the PGA Tour.

Thompson shredded Stonebrae on Thursday. He started his round on No. 10 and shot 30 for his first nine, including four consecutive birdies (Nos. 14 through 17).

He finished with seven birdies and no bogeys.

“I hit a lot of good shots on my front nine,” Thompson said. “I played nicely.”

As for Curry, who naturally drew all the attention, Thompson offered his endorsement.

“Most importantly, he brings more fans to the golf tournament than the rest of us combined, probably by 100 times,” Thompson said. “It’s big. It’s better for all of us. I think it was a good choice by the tournament to invite him . ...

“Seventy-four (Curry’s score) is definitely lower than I anticipated. This isn’t the easiest golf course.”

Local angle: Martin Trainer, who attended Gunn High-Palo Alto and won the 2008 San Francisco City Championship, posted an opening-round 65. Trainer, 26, has played on the PGA Tour’s Latin American circuit the past three years.

Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.