Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable streak of 21 consecutive sub-70 rounds came to an end at the 2025 Procore Championship in Napa. The world No. 1 finished with a 2-under 70, seven shots behind leader Mackenzie Hughes, who sits atop the leaderboard at 9-under. Despite flashes of brilliance, including impressive birdies on 7, 8, and 16, Scheffler faced tough putting conditions and a dramatic par-saving escape on the 18th after a wayward drive.
Meanwhile, Canadian Mackenzie Hughes surged early with nine birdies in his first 13 holes, leading a field packed with U.S. Ryder Cup hopefuls enjoying some last-minute competition before the big event. Notable American challengers include Ben Griffin and Russell Henley, both posting strong rounds.
How did Scheffler’s streak compare to the game’s greats? What does this result mean for the U.S. Ryder Cup squad’s form? Catch all the first-round highlights and expert analysis on the Procore Championship’s opening day in Napa!
Imagine watching a record-breaking streak come to an end right before your eyes. That’s exactly what happened to golf fans as Scotty Sheffller’s remarkable run of 21 consecutive sub70 scores finally met its match at the Procourt Championship. But here’s where it gets controversial. Was this a mere stumble or a sign of things to come as the RDER Cup looms? Let’s dive in. In the picturesque setting of Napa, California, McKenzie Hughes stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, leading the tournament at nine under par. Meanwhile, Sheffller, the world number one, found himself seven shots back after a less than stellar opening round. And this is the part most people miss. Despite his recent dominance, Sheffller admitted to feeling frustrated, noting that his efforts didn’t quite yield the results he’s accustomed to. “I think it was a pretty frustrating day overall,” he reflected. “I felt like I did some things well out there. I just wasn’t quite getting the reward.” Adding to the intrigue, US Rder Cup rookie Ben Griffin carded an impressive six under par 64, trailing Hughes by just one shot. Griffin’s performance raises questions. Could he be the dark horse in the upcoming Rder Cup? Or is this just a fleeting moment of brilliance? What do you think? Is Griffin a contender to watch, or is this just a one-off? Sheffller, who had previously tied with Patrick Kentlay for the longest streak of sub 70 scores, hasn’t finished lower than eighth place since March. His consistency has been nothing short of remarkable. But this recent setback has fans and analysts alike wondering if the pressure of the RDER Cup is already taking its toll. After all, he’s set to make his third appearance in the prestigious event, which kicks off in America on September 26th. Nine other members of the 12 strong US team are also using this tournament as a warm-up, including Russell Henley, who shot a 65, and US Open champion JJ Spawn, who signed for a 67. Henley shared his thoughts on the unique atmosphere of this event saying, “I think it was a little different today just knowing that all of us were kind of paired in the same little area of tea times and we obviously did spend a lot of time with each other this week. It definitely feels slightly different than it would have if this tournament was in March. You know, the RDER Cup is right around the corner. Is this camaraderie a strength or could it become a distraction as the stakes rise? The leaderboard remains tightly contested with the top nine players separated by just four shots. Among them is amateur Jackson Koven who’s making waves in his own right. Leading the pack is Hughes, a 34year-old twotime PGA Tour winner whose last triumph came in 2022. Hughes was on fire early, picking up nine birdies in the first 13 holes, but bogeies on 14 and 15 dashed hopes of a historic 59. Would a 59 have been a gamecher for Hughes, or is his lead already a strong statement? As the tournament progresses, one thing is clear. The road to the RDER Cup is filled with twists and turns. Sheffller’s streak may be over, but the real question is how he and his teammates will bounce back. Do you think Sheffller can regain his momentum before the RDER Cup, or is this the start of a new chapter in his career? Share your thoughts below.
