The Procore Championship in Napa, California, kicked off with a mix of highs and lows for the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Mackenzie Hughes of Canada stole the spotlight with an impressive 9-under 63, setting the pace for the tournament. Meanwhile, the spotlight was also on Scottie Scheffler, who ended his streak of 21 consecutive rounds in the 60s with a 70 on a challenging afternoon.

Key Highlights:

• Mackenzie Hughes dominated the course with nine birdies in 13 holes, briefly flirting with the idea of a 59 before settling for a 63.
• Ben Griffin, a Ryder Cup rookie, surged with five birdies on the back nine to finish with a 64, just one shot behind Hughes.
• Russell Henley and Lanto Griffin both carded a 65, keeping themselves in contention.
• Scottie Scheffler struggled with his tee shots, particularly on the par-5 18th, where he had to settle for par, ending his impressive streak.

Ryder Cup Preparation:

Ten Ryder Cup players were in Napa, using the tournament as a tune-up for the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Despite the mixed results, the camaraderie among the players was evident, with many sharing tee times and even staying in the same mansion during the event.

Noteworthy Performances:

• J.J. Spaun, the U.S. Open champion, posted a solid 67.
• Sam Burns finished with a 71, while other Ryder Cup players like Justin Thomas, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Harris English, and Collin Morikawa all carded 72.

Absentees:

Bryson DeChambeau was notably absent due to his affiliation with LIV Golf, making him ineligible for PGA Tour events. Xander Schauffele was also missing, as he was home in Florida with his newborn son.

Looking Ahead:

The tournament continues into Friday, with players like Hughes aiming to secure their spots in the Fall Series, which includes prestigious events like Pebble Beach and Riviera. For the Ryder Cup team, this event serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the main event in two weeks.