Ben Griffin pulls three clear at PGA Tour's Procore Championship with bogey-free 66

The 28-year-old, a captain’s pick for his Ryder Cup debut later this month at Bethpage Black, looked in commanding form at Silverado Resort in Napa, California, moving to 14-under 130 at the halfway mark.

"I wouldn't even say my mindset's been Ryder Cup," Griffin said.

"I've been pretty focused on this golf tournament. Without a doubt, off the golf course hanging out with the guys and stuff, there's been some Ryder Cup presence, but once I get on the first tee, I'm thinking I'm trying to play well here... trying to hit a lot of fairways and simple stuff."

Starting on the back nine, Griffin rolled in birdies at the 12th, 15th, and 18th, with a 21-foot putt at the 17th punctuating his bogey-free round. He added two more birdies coming home and said Bradley’s vote of confidence has him playing with a freer mindset.

"It's not like on the golf course I felt anxious, but definitely in between rounds I was more anxious," he said. "I really have nothing to lose this week."

Henley, the world No. 4, also Ryder Cup-bound, posted a four-under 68 to sit on 11-under alongside Koivun, who matched Griffin’s 66 with a sparkling round highlighted by a near-albatross eagle at the par-five 12th.

"It's just all learning," 20-year-old Koivun said of his PGA Tour experiences. "I'm trying to do it as quickly as I can before I turn pro, whether that's the end of this year, end of next year."

Defending US Open champion J.J. Spaun joined Lanto Griffin at 135 after a 68, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler lurked further back in a tie for 13th after a 68 of his own left him at six-under.