Ben Griffin, a rookie in the Ryder Cup, maintains a narrow lead in the Procore Championship heading into the final round. After a challenging finish at the par-five last hole, Griffin posted a two-under 70 at the Silverado Resort in Napa, bringing his total to 16 under par. He began the day with a three-shot advantage but now holds just a one-shot lead over world number one amateur, Jackson Koivun, who recorded a third-round score of 68.
In a remarkable display of talent, Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, surged into contention with an impressive eight-under 64, placing him just two shots off the lead. South Africa’s Garrick Higgo stands in fourth place at 13 under, while fellow Ryder Cup teammates JJ Spaun and Russell Henley fell back to nine under and tied for ninth place following rounds of 72 and 74, respectively.
While Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup squad shows strong presence, Cam Young is the only other member within the top 20, currently tied for 17th at seven under. Notable players Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns, and Collin Morikawa are tied for 30th and 41st, respectively, with Harris English and Justin Thomas trailing further behind.
Scheffler’s Impressive Comeback
Scheffler entered the third round eight strokes behind Griffin but quickly made his presence felt. He started strong with three consecutive birdies from the third hole and added another three-birdie streak beginning at the eighth. Although a double-bogey on the 14th hole momentarily set him back, Scheffler responded decisively with three birdies in his last four holes, showcasing his determination to secure a sixth PGA Tour title this season.
“If I go out and play good consistent golf, I’m going to start moving my way up the leaderboard and that was the goal going into today,” Scheffler stated. He emphasized his focus on hitting greens and making putts, a strategy that has clearly paid off.
Griffin, on the other hand, experienced a mix of triumph and challenge during his round. He made three birdies but faced his first bogey of the week at the final hole, where a misplayed chip left him scrambling to maintain his lead. Despite the pressure from Scheffler, Griffin remains focused on his own game.
Looking Ahead to the Final Round
“I’m not too worried about what he [Scheffler] is going to do,” Griffin said confidently. “I’ve just got to play better than him. If I do that tomorrow, I should be able to lift the trophy.”
As the final day approaches, the competition is intense with several players still in contention. Griffin’s ability to maintain his composure amidst the rising pressure will be crucial. With an exciting lineup and the stakes high, golf enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling conclusion to the Procore Championship.
The final round is scheduled for Sunday, starting at 23:00 GMT, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf. Fans keen on following the action can also explore various streaming options available without a contract.
