– Scottie Scheffler (-2) broke his spectacular streak of rounds under 70 strokes this Thursday. It started back at the Travelers Championship in June and ended this Thursday, in the middle of September, 22 rounds later. It sounds quick. It wasn’t a good start for the World Number One at the Procore Championship. But don’t overthink it. The usual. He had one of those days with the putter…
The rest of his game was impeccable. Outstanding. In fact, he was the player who left the ball closest to the hole on average throughout the tournament. Just over six metres. But he didn’t sink anything. There was even a moment when Scottie looked at Ted Scott, his caddie, as if asking for an explanation. He didn’t understand anything. The longest putt he made was a six-metre one on the 7th hole. The exception. The next longest didn’t even reach a metre and a half. Even JJ Spaun‘s caddie gave him a pat on the shoulder after making the birdie on the 16th. Sinking, of course, a putt of one metre and 43 centimetres. How Europe could use a full week like that from Scheffler at Bethpage… and how hard it is to imagine it happening.
– Against all odds, Scheffler was the worst of his group. Russell Henley (-7) and JJ Spaun (-5) put on a more than interesting performance, especially considering they were playing with the Number One. Zero pressure. Henley was majestic from the tee (and that’s despite starting with a championship escape on the 1st hole) and lethal with the putter. Meanwhile, the US Open winner hit fabulous irons, despite not always being in a good position.
– In any case, the man of the day in the Napa Valley in Ryder terms is called Ben Griffin (-8). In case there’s still anyone out there who doubts him. The rookie dressed up as Scheffler. His combination of irons and putt was prodigious. All his birdies came from a range between two and four and a half metres. He is second, one stroke behind the tournament leader, Canadian Mackenzie Hughes (-9). Griffin’s result is more commendable because the course was a bit tougher, with less receptive greens.
– Here end the happy news for Keegan Bradley, present on the 18th green as his guys finished playing. The rest of the Ryder men weren’t exactly at a great height. Sam Burns (-1), Harris English (PAR), Collin Morikawa (PAR), Patrick Cantlay (PAR), Justin Thomas (PAR), and Cameron Young (PAR) will have to fight this Friday to make the cut on the North Course at the Silverado Resort.
– By the way, Ryder atmosphere, what you call Ryder atmosphere, was rather short. It seems they’re more into wine than shouting over there. Not a single “USA” throughout the round. At least none that the broadcast microphones picked up. And it’s not because Bradley didn’t do his part. The ten players who will be at Bethpage and are playing this week in Napa were introduced as members of the United States Ryder Cup team, something absolutely unusual.
– Beyond the American Ryder team, some names stand out. Another great round from amateur Jackson Koivun (-5) and a good start from Sahith Theegala (-4), who seems to be gradually overcoming his physical problems. Additionally, young Miles Russell (+1) will also have to fight this Friday to make it to the weekend.
