The 2025 Procore Championship in Napa, California, is shaping up to be more than just another stop on the PGA Tour calendar—it’s the perfect prelude to the much-anticipated Ryder Cup showdown at Bethpage Black in less than two weeks. With 36 holes in the books at the Silverado Resort’s North Course, all eyes are on Ben Griffin, who’s delivered a masterclass in consistency and composure to claim a commanding three-shot lead heading into the weekend.
Griffin, who’s eyeing his third PGA Tour victory of the season and his first-ever Ryder Cup appearance, fired a bogey-free 6-under 66 on Friday after a scorching 64 in the opening round. That’s 14-under-par through two days—no small feat on the 7,138-yard, par-72 layout in wine country. Asked about his mindset, Griffin was quick to downplay any Ryder Cup distractions. “I wouldn’t even say my mindset’s been Ryder Cup. I’ve been pretty focused on this golf tournament,” Griffin said after his round. “Without a doubt off the golf course, hanging out with the guys and stuff there’s been some Ryder Cup presence, but once I get on the first tee I’m thinking I’m trying to play well here.”
Despite the looming international contest, Griffin’s focus has been laser-sharp, and it’s paying off. His card on Friday was spotless, featuring six birdies and not a single bogey—an impressive display of controlled aggression and steady nerves. The 29-year-old, one of captain Keegan Bradley’s six picks for Team USA, is proving he’s more than ready for the big stage at Bethpage.
But it’s not just Griffin making noise in Napa. Fellow Ryder Cup rookie Russell Henley is tied for second at 11-under after a solid 68, sharing the spot with top-ranked amateur Jackson Koivun, who dazzled with a 66 that included an eagle on the par-5 12th. Koivun, fresh off a strong showing at the Walker Cup, isn’t shy about his ambitions. “I ran into Russell Henley on the range and told him I was going to catch him,” Koivun said. “So that was my objective.” He nearly did, and now both are three shots off the pace, setting up a tantalizing weekend battle.
Henley, who hails from Columbus, Georgia, just a short drive from Koivun’s Auburn base, relished the opportunity to play alongside his Ryder Cup teammates. “It’s a dream come true being able to play on the team, and getting to play with two teammates this week was really cool these first two days,” Henley shared. “Definitely thinking about it a lot, but trying to make sure this is a good week of prep.” Henley’s putter has been hot, and his early charge on Friday—five birdies in his first nine holes—had him briefly atop the leaderboard before a couple of late bogeys cooled him off.
J.J. Spaun, the reigning U.S. Open champion and another Ryder Cup rookie, sits five shots back at 9-under after a gritty 68. Spaun admitted he’s been “scraping it around” but managed to capitalize on sharp iron play and clutch putting. “It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t terrible,” Spaun said. “I mean, I took advantage of some really good iron shots and made a few putts outside of three feet and called it a day.”
The Ryder Cup subplot is impossible to ignore, with all ten U.S. team members competing this week in Napa. Captain Keegan Bradley has been a visible presence, checking in on his squad and ensuring everyone stays sharp. Unlike two years ago, when several players entered the Ryder Cup rusty from a lack of competition, this year’s team is getting valuable reps under pressure. The cut line fell at 2-under, and every American Ryder Cupper made it through—though Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay only just squeaked by on the number.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, a stalwart for Team USA, had a rollercoaster Friday. He started on the 10th and caught fire with five birdies over his first nine holes, but a couple of dropped shots on the front nine tempered his charge. Scheffler signed for a 68 to reach 6-under, eight shots behind Griffin but still very much in the mix. “It’s tough to simulate that at home and get the type of focus you get at an actual event,” Henley noted about the competitive environment, echoing the sentiment shared by many in the field.
Lanto Griffin (no relation to Ben) joined Spaun at 9-under after a 70, while Rico Hoey, Zac Blair, Taylor Montgomery, Garrick Higgo, Mackenzie Hughes, Emiliano Grillo, Matt McCarty, and Justin Hasting all posted solid rounds to stay within striking distance. The field is deep, but it’s the Ryder Cup hopefuls who are stealing the headlines as the weekend approaches.
The North Course at Silverado Resort has once again proven to be a worthy test, with its strategic bunkering, slick greens, and the ever-present Napa breeze challenging even the best. Patton Kizzire, the defending champion, and former winners Max Homa, Sahith Theegala, and Cameron Champ are also in the field, providing further depth and intrigue to the proceedings.
For Griffin, the weekend presents a golden opportunity—not just to add another PGA Tour trophy to his cabinet, but to send a message to his Ryder Cup teammates and captains alike. “Yeah, we’ll talk Ryder Cup,” he said of his pairing with Henley in the third round. “I’ve played a bunch with Russell, we talk all the time. There’s a lot of time you spend in between shots when you’re playing a round of golf so we’ll talk about a lot of things. When it comes time to hit shots, we’re going to be locked in and trying to win this golf tournament. But I’d say everyone on the team is just really excited to kind of get some competitive reps in, get ready for Bethpage. But every single guy on that team is trying to win this golf tournament, I can tell you that. Whether or not they say it or not, they’re pretty focused on this week.”
As Friday’s sun set over wine country, Griffin was spotted alone on the practice green, working quietly on his putting—proof that he’s not taking anything for granted. “This week I’m trying to literally do the same stuff I’m doing,” he explained. “I’m trying to stay confident, stay motivated and keep the pedal down.”
With the leaderboard packed with Ryder Cup stars and the stakes as high as ever, the Procore Championship weekend promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a preview of what’s to come at Bethpage Black. As it stands, Griffin’s the man to catch, but with Henley, Koivun, Spaun, and Scheffler lurking, anything can happen in Napa.
