Mackenzie Hughes takes the lead at the Procore Championship with a stunning 9-under 63. The U.S. Ryder Cup team, including Scottie Scheffler, showcases mixed results. Ryder Cup rookie Ben Griffin shines with a 64, while J.J. Spaun and Russell Henley also impress. Scheffler’s streak of 21 consecutive rounds in the 60s comes to an end. The team’s preparation for Bethpage Black is in full swing, with players spending time together and sharing a unique experience. Despite the competitive spirit, the atmosphere is intense, as seen with Scheffler’s frustration on the course. Hughes aims to secure a spot in the top 60 to qualify for the Fall Series. Keegan Bradley, the Ryder Cup captain, observes the team’s performance. Join us as we analyze the players’ strategies and their journey towards the Ryder Cup.
Mckenji Hughes is quietly stealing the spotlight in Napa despite the big names and bustling crowds drawn by the US RDER Cup team’s presence. On Thursday, Hughes, a Canadian golfer, fired an impressive 9 under 63 to take the lead at the Procore Championship. A performance that has quietly caught attention amid the buzz surrounding RDER Cup hopefuls. But here’s where it gets controversial. While crowds flocked to see stars like Scotty Sheffller and Watch us Rder Cup players, their results were a mixed bag, highlighting just how unpredictable golf can be, especially under pressure. For much of the day, rookie Ben Griffin, making his RDER Cup debut, struggled to even outshine fellow golfer Lanto Griffin at Silverado until Griffin surged with five birdies on the back nine, finishing with an excellent 64. He ended just a stroke behind Matt Mccardi, who matched that score. Meanwhile, Russell Henley and Lanto Griffin both posted solid rounds, each shooting 65. Scotty Sheoffller, who had been enjoying a remarkable run without finishing worse than eighth place since March, saw his streak come to an end in the windy conditions of Wine Country. A poor T-shot on the par 51 18th hole forced him to settle for par, resulting in a 70. His first score starting with a seven in quite some time, breaking a 21 round streak of scoring in the 60s. And this is the part most people miss. Even top players like Sheffler face tough days, reminding us that golf’s mental and physical challenges are relentless. 10 Ryder Cup players are competing here using the Procore Championship as a key tuneup ahead of the big event at Beth Page Black in just two weeks. Despite the varying scores, everyone recognizes the importance of these final weeks to sharpen their game. Henley shot 65 and US Open champion JJ Spawn had a respectable 67. No other Rder Cup players broke 70, but all stayed at par or better, an indicator of steady, if not spectacular performance. What’s unique this week is not just the competition, but the camaraderie. These players are sharing tea times closely and relaxing together off the course in a shared mansion, creating a rare sense of togetherness before the writer cup. It felt different knowing we were all playing in the same wave of tea times and spending time together this week. Henley explained, “There’s a sense the Rder Cup is right around the corner. However, don’t misinterpret this as a laid-back social week. Sheffller’s visible frustration after a tricky shot stuck in thick rough above a bunker on the par 512th showed how intense the competition is. He slammed his club into the ground in frustration, making par after a difficult recovery, underscoring the pressure these players feel. Spawn commented on the challenges of this course, noting its porky layout and tricky, fast, sloping greens dominated by poaan annua grass, conditions that can frustrate even the best putters. Meanwhile, Hughes has his own story driving him forward. Having missed out on breaking into the FedEx Cup top 50, a threshold for access to elite $20 million events next year, he’s fiercely focused on finishing within the top 60 in the fall series to earn spots in renowned tournaments at Pebble Beach and Riviera. Hughes racked up nine birdies in just 13 holes and briefly entertained thoughts of shooting a 59, though he mistakenly fought. Par was 71. Regardless, finishing with a 63 left him quite satisfied. My goal is to crack that top 60 and set myself up nicely for the upcoming season. Hugh said, “I’m not looking to grind through five or six events chasing that. I’d rather play a few good ones and have plenty of rest, spending more time at home this fall, but we’ll see how things unfold.” Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley attended the event as a spectator, standing behind the 13th green and watching players like Sheffller, Henley, and Spawn walk together. It’s fantastic to witness this, Bradley remarked, highlighting the importance of these weeks as a buildup to the RDER Cup. Other Rder Cup players had varied performances. Sam Burns shot 71 while Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, Patrick Kentlay, Harris English, and Colin Morakawa all carded a 72. As of Thursday, those scoring 72 were just outside the cut line for Friday’s play, adding another layer of competitive pressure. Notably, Cameron Young was the only Rder Cup player to have competed in a tournament with a 36 hole cut in the past five weeks. which could affect his current form. Not all US stars made the trip. Bryson Dshambo was absent due to his affiliation with LIIV Golf, which left him ineligible for PGA Tour events, while Xander Schoffé stayed home in Florida to be with his newborn son. This raises intriguing questions about how players balance priorities and commitments and how that might impact team dynamics during Ryder Cup. So, what do you think? Does the mixed bag of performances signal a deeper unpredictability for the US team heading into the RDER Cup? Or is this just a normal phase of players fine-tuning their game? And how much does the social atmosphere and shared space among teammates influence their preparation? Does it help or can it distract from the focus needed? Share your thoughts and dive into the conversation.
