Ben Griffin Downplays Scottie Scheffler’s Dominance Ahead of Procore Championship Final Round: ‘Not Too Worried’

The last time Ben Griffin found himself leading a PGA Tour event with the world’s best player lurking behind him, he walked away with a trophy. At the Charles Schwab Challenge, Griffin proved he could handle the pressure of elite competition breathing down his neck. Now he’s ready to do it again.

Griffin sits at the top of the Procore Championship leaderboard at 16-under par heading into Sunday’s final round. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler lurks just two shots back at 14-under after firing a spectacular third-round 64. However, Griffin isn’t losing sleep over the challenge ahead.

“Yeah, it’s not the first time it’s happened,” Griffin said when asked about having Scheffler chasing him. “I think Charles Schwab maybe he was in the group or two behind me, and ultimately I won. So I know I can do it.” The confidence radiates from every word. Furthermore, Griffin’s approach to facing golf’s most dominant player remains refreshingly simple. “Not too worried about what he’s going to do, I’ve just got to play better than him, and if I do that tomorrow, I should be able to lift the trophy,” he explained. In the final round of Charles Schwab, Ben Griffin held on for victory with a 71 (+1), starting strong with a 34 on the front nine before late bogeys on 16 and 18 led to a 37 on the back. Scottie Scheffler stayed steady with a 69 (-1), fueled by birdies on 1 and 11 and a bogey-free back nine. Griffin’s grit and Scheffler’s consistency made for a thrilling finish, with Griffin edging ahead to claim the win.

Griffin’s newfound confidence didn’t emerge overnight. Instead, it developed through a breakthrough 2025 season that transformed him from a journeyman to an elite competitor. His two PGA Tour victories this year laid the foundation for this fearless approach.w

The journey began with the Zurich Classic victory alongside Andrew Novak in April, earning Griffin $1,329,400. Then came his maiden individual triumph in May, where he defeated Matti Schmid by one stroke at Colonial Country Club. That victory proved particularly significant because it demonstrated Griffin’s ability to close under pressure. “It helps that I won a couple of times on Tour. I can build on some of those past experiences,” Griffin noted about his confidence heading into Sunday.

Additionally, his Ryder Cup selection by captain Keegan Bradley validated his elite status. Being chosen as one of six captain’s picks represents the pinnacle of recognition for any American golfer. Consequently, Griffin now carries himself with the swagger of someone who belongs among golf’s best.

Griffin’s season built this fearless mindset

Griffin’s rise to world No. 17 reflects more than just tournament victories. Actually, it demonstrates a complete mental transformation throughout his breakthrough season. His sixth-place FedEx Cup standing shows remarkable consistency across 2025.

This mental fortitude becomes crucial when facing someone of Scheffler’s caliber. Griffin understands the challenge but refuses to be intimidated. “Obviously, there’s some other guys there in the mix too, but I think everyone knows what Scottie Scheffler’s capable of, and I’ve just got to stay in front,” he acknowledged.

Moreover, Griffin’s strategic approach emphasizes aggression over defense. “There’s no holding on, there’s no defense, it’s offense all the way through 18 holes,” he stressed about Sunday’s mentality. Interestingly, Griffin might catch Scheffler at the perfect moment. The world No. 1 snapped his streak of 21 consecutive rounds in the 60s during Thursday’s opening round after a three-week break. Even golf’s most consistent performer occasionally shows rust.

Therefore, Griffin’s timing appears optimal. He enters Sunday with peak confidence while Scheffler works to regain his typical sharpness. Griffin has proven he can win when the stakes are highest, and Sunday presents another opportunity to validate his elite status. The final round will test whether Griffin’s season-long transformation can withstand Scheffler’s inevitable charge. Based on his fearless attitude and proven track record, Griffin appears ready for whatever comes his way.