Tuning up for the Ryder Cup may net Ben Griffin a nice extra payday, as he leads the Procore Championship after the second round on Friday in Napa, Calif.
Griffin shot a 6-under-par 66 to climb to 14-under 130 for the tournament at the North Course at Silverado Resort.
The 29-year-old earned his first two PGA Tour victories this spring and was one of six captain’s picks for the United States team that will face Team Europe at Bethpage Black later this month. Ten of the 12 American team members entered the Procore Championship to fill an otherwise long layoff with competitive reps.
Griffin has played bogey-free golf for two rounds. He reached 16 of 18 greens in regulation on Friday and made a 21 1/2-foot birdie putt at No. 17, a par-3.
Despite the shadow of the Ryder Cup looming over the Procore Championship, Griffin said, “I’ve been pretty focused on this golf tournament. 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. …
“This week I’m trying to literally do the same stuff I’m doing. I’m trying to stay confident, stay motivated and keep the pedal down.”
Ryder Cup teammate Russell Henley carded a 68 to get to 11 under, where he is tied for second with amateur Jackson Koivun.
Henley said, “I think I need to clean up some of the short-game stuff. I’ve had a couple chips that I didn’t get up and down. Probably work on that a little bit. Just stick with the process.”
Koivun, the No. 1 player in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, is in contention after a 66 on Friday that included six birdies, an eagle and two bogeys.
Another U.S. Ryder Cup team member, J.J. Spaun, is at 9 under after shooting a 68 on Friday.
“It’s good prep just playing in general,” Spaun said. “I can hit balls for hours at home and (it) ends up being more detrimental than beneficial. I think out here getting more engaged targets and getting your feel right is a huge component for me. So regardless of how I played this week, still beneficial to be out here competing.”
Spaun is tied for fourth with Lanto Griffin (second-round 70). Rico Hoey of the Philippines is alone in sixth at 8 under after his second straight 68.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the next-best Ryder Cup player on the leaderboard, his round of 68 lifting him to 6 under for the week, tied for 14th place.
Cameron Young (67) is at 5 under, Collin Morikawa (68) is at 4 under, Harris English (70) and Justin Thomas (70) are at 2 under, and Sam Burns (72) and Patrick Cantlay (71) made the cut on the number at 1 under.
–Field Level Media
