Napa, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The Procore Championship in Napa turned into a crucial preparation event for Team USA ahead of the Ryder Cup. With most of the U.S. squad present, young star Jackson Koivun caught attention by tying for second place after a strong recovery on the leaderboard. The tournament served as both a competitive rehearsal and a potential stage for Koivun to make history as a winning amateur in a PGA Tour-style field. As anticipation builds for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage, the vibes from Napa suggest thrilling golf awaits.
Napa —
Ryder Cup warm-up turns into a stage for a teenage sensation
The Procore Championship in Napa felt less like a weekend tournament and more like a dress rehearsal for Team USA. With the Ryder Cup looming in two weeks at Bethpage Black, the field carried high stakes and big names — and a few surprises that have everybody talking.
Nearly the entire U.S. squad showed up to sharpen their swings. Eleven of the twelve Ryder Cup picks were on site, turning the Napa clubhouse into a buzzing prep room. One notable absence was the player who missed because of the birth of his son, a private and joyful reason that kept him away. Another big name, who has been a staple at marquee events, popped in for off-course appearances but was unable to compete because he is not a PGA Tour member this season.
Ben Griffin holds the pole position — for now
After 54 holes, it’s Ben Griffin out front. The leaderboard is tight, and every stroke feels amplified with Ryder Cup pressure in the air. Right on his heels is Jackson Koivun, the World No. 1 amateur, who turned Napa into a personal highlight reel and left fans wondering if a new star is about to emerge.
Koivun has been on a tear lately. Fresh off a dominant Walker Cup week — where he helped the U.S. side dispatch Great Britain and Ireland 17-9 — he went 3-1 in the match-play event, including decisive singles victories that showcased his match-play mettle. That momentum carried right into the pro ranks: a T5 at the Wyndham Championship earned him a spot in the Procore field, and he followed with a second-round 66 that put him in a tie for second with Russell Henley.
Saturday drama: a stumble and a surge
The third round brought a little bit of everything. A couple of veterans, including Russell Henley and J.J. Spaun, hit a rough patch and slid down the standings after Saturday struggles. But the headline belonged to Koivun and Scottie Scheffler. Koivun had a shaky start in round three with bogeys on holes three and four, yet he rallied in true competitor fashion with an eagle and a birdie that flipped momentum back his way. He finished the day tied for second at 15 under, just one shot shy of the leader.
Meanwhile, Scheffler rattled off another electric round — including ten birdies in his latest outing — to put himself within striking distance. The World No. 1 showed he’s fully engaged and ready for match-play mayhem at Bethpage.
Amateur on the brink
Koivun is carrying more than a leaderboard position — he’s carrying national intrigue. As the World No. 1 amateur with Walker Cup pedigree, he’s eyeing history. If he were to win this event, he would become just the second amateur in recent memory to top a PGA Tour-style field after the breakthrough by an amateur in 2024. He’s committed to staying amateur through college while preparing for a pro life down the road, and he’s treating this weekend like any other round: play golf, stick to the process, and don’t let the finale feel different.
Team captain Nathan Smith has taken note of Koivun’s attitude and presence, pointing out that the young man mixes calm professionalism with leadership — the kind of balance that could make him a future Ryder Cup stalwart.
Why this week matters
The Procore Championship turned into a practical training camp for the U.S. side. With the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black just two weeks away, the players used Napa for last-minute sharpening — some worked on mechanics, some on nerves, and a few on course management. It also gave a real-time look at how younger talent might slot into the national picture, especially with match-play lineups and momentum playing such large roles.
Expect final-round fireworks: the leaderboard is compact, the Ryder Cup clock is ticking, and a rising amateur plus the World No. 1 are all within one shot of the lead. Napa served up drama, and the real theater moves to New York in a matter of days.
FAQ
Who led the Procore Championship after 54 holes?
Ben Griffin held the 54-hole lead heading into the final round.
How did Jackson Koivun perform this week?
Jackson Koivun tied for second at 15 under after a third-round recovery that included an eagle and birdie following early bogeys. He earned his spot in Napa with a T5 at the Wyndham Championship and enters as the World No. 1 amateur.
Which Ryder Cup players were at the Procore Championship?
Eleven of the twelve U.S. Ryder Cup team members played at Procore. One player missed the event due to the birth of his son, and another notable figure attended off-course events but did not compete because he is not a PGA Tour member.
Could an amateur win this PGA Tour-style event?
Yes, it’s possible. If Koivun wins, he would be just the second amateur in recent years to top a PGA Tour-style tournament, following an amateur win in 2024. Koivun plans to remain an amateur through college before turning pro.
How does this week affect Ryder Cup plans?
The Procore Championship acted as a final tune-up. It gave the U.S. team real-course time, competitive reps, and a chance to test pairings and strategies ahead of Bethpage Black in two weeks.
Quick reference table
| Player | Status / Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Griffin | Leader after 54 holes | Holds a one-shot advantage into the final round |
| Jackson Koivun | Tied 2nd, 15 under | World No. 1 amateur; Walker Cup standout; eagle and birdie recovery in round three |
| Scottie Scheffler | One shot behind Koivun | Recorded a third-round 64 with ten birdies in latest round |
| Russell Henley | Fell after Saturday struggles | Tied with Koivun after round two but slipped after round three |
| J.J. Spaun | Dropped in standings | Struggled on Saturday and fell down the leaderboard |
| Ryder Cup Team Presence | 11 of 12 members attended | One player absent due to birth of son; another attended events but was ineligible to play |
| Next big event | Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black | Starts in two weeks — major match-play test for Team USA |
Bottom line: Napa gave fans drama, Ryder Cup clues, and a possible glimpse of the next American star. Final-round tension is guaranteed — and the golf world will be watching as the action pivots to Bethpage.
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Additional Resources
- Golfweek: Where to Eat, Drink, Tee It Up, and Relax in Napa Valley
- SI: Ryder Cup Team at Napa
- ESPN: US Team Prepares in Napa
- BBC: Golf Articles
- Mercury News: Ben Griffin Leads in Napa
- Wikipedia: Ryder Cup
- Google Search: Golf News
- Google Scholar: Ryder Cup 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Ryder Cup 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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