Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable run of 21 consecutive sub-70 rounds came to an end as he finished the opening day of the Procore Championship seven shots off the lead in Napa, California.
The world number one carded an even-par 70, bringing a halt to the streak he shared with Patrick Cantlay for the longest run of sub-70 rounds on record. Scheffler, who has not finished outside the top eight since March, admitted frustration after a round that failed to reflect his recent form.
“I think it was a pretty frustrating day overall,” said Scheffler. “I felt like I did some things well out there, I just wasn’t quite getting the reward.”
Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes leads the field after a stunning nine-under-par 63, though bogeys on the 14th and 15th derailed a potential bid for a historic 59. He is one shot ahead of US Ryder Cup rookie Ben Griffin, who posted a six-under 64.
Fellow American Russell Henley is also in the hunt after a 65, while US Open champion JJ Spaun signed for a 67. The remainder of the 12-strong US Ryder Cup team, nine of whom are in action this week, failed to break 70 as they prepare for the tournament later this month.
Henley acknowledged the unique dynamic of playing alongside Ryder Cup teammates so close to the event.
“I think it was a little different today just knowing that all of us were kind of paired in the same little area of tee times and we obviously did spend a lot of time with each other this week so it definitely feels slightly different than it would have if this tournament was in March,” Henley said. “You know, the Ryder Cup is right around the corner.”
The top nine players are separated by just four shots, with amateur Jackson Koivun also among those in early contention.
