With the Ryder Cup just 10 days away, Scottie Scheffler is showing why he’s not only the world’s No. 1 golfer but also a strong pillar within Team USA. After edging Ben Griffin by a single shot at the Procore Championship, Scheffler used his post-round interview to spotlight the Ryder Cup rookie’s perseverance and confidence—qualities he believes will make Griffin a valuable teammate in Rome.

The interviewer asked whether Griffin’s performance made Scheffler want to get to know him better. Taking a trip down memory lane, Scheffler revealed that their relationship goes far back. “Ben’s actually a guy I spent a lot of time with in junior golf. We used to play practice rounds together in junior and amateur golf. He’s been a buddy of mine for a long time,” Scheffler told the media.

Scheffler also remarked, “I think Ben always had the belief that he was going to be out here.” And that quality of Griffin is what Keegan Bradley‘s squad cannot help but admire. Adding to that, Scheffler said, “When you talk to Ben, he’s a guy that has a lot of confidence, he’s got a lot of self-belief. That’s what we love about him being a part of our Ryder Cup team.”

Confidence and self-belief. Griffin does have both, and he never hides it. On Saturday, the 29-year-old golfer was asked about Scheffler threatening to spoil his Sunday chances. “Not too worried about what he’s going to do. I’ve just got to play better than him,” Griffin was forthright. This comment actually echoed what he said a couple of months back at the Memorial.

There, Griffin was in the chasing pack, and Scheffler held the 54-hole lead. Speaking about that, the two-time PGA Tour winner said, “Obviously, he’s coming off a major win. But, yeah, I feel like he obviously can be beaten, and I’ve just got to keep the pedal down and make a lot of birdies because I know he’s going to as well.” Scheffler, obviously, went on to win, but Griffin’s comments reveal his true strength.

In fact, on Sunday, despite falling behind the World No.1, Griffin pushed it to the 72nd hole. He needed an eagle to win, a birdie to force a playoff. Eventually, he three-putted and settled for runner-up. Scheffler knows that Griffin’s journey to the PGA Tour and the Ryder Cup has not been an easy one, making him admire Griffin’s belief even more.

Back in 2021, Griffin stepped away from professional golf, struggling with his form, consistently missing cuts, and facing financial pressures. Griffin took up a job as a mortgage loan officer. However, Griffin’s passion for golf was hidden, waiting to be rediscovered. One day, he accidentally drove to the golf course wearing work clothes, and Griffin took that as a sign. Four years later, he has two PGA Tour titles and will now represent the Stars and Stripes.

Notably, Scheffler didn’t back down from praising Griffin on his incredible talent, too. “I grew up with Ben. He always had the talent to make it out here. He’s been a tremendous putter for his entire—as long as I’ve known him—and his ball-striking has really come around, and he’s also picked up some speed.”

The stats back Scottie Scheffler’s comment. Ben Griffin ranks 16th in Strokes Gained: Putting (+0.407) this season. Just as important, his ball-striking has leaped forward: his average driving distance jumped from 295.6 yards in 2024 to 305.5 in 2025 while maintaining a solid 59.1% driving accuracy. But the quality of Griffin that is making bigger statements after his loss at Napa Valley is his attitude of always improving himself.

Ben Griffin is already taking lessons from the Napa Valley defeat

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Griffin is already back in his mental groove to learn and improve his game. Nearly two hours after completing his final round, Griffin emerged as a lone figure on the practice greens. Working on his putting and his short game, Griffin’s dedication to the sport came through. His willingness to dedicate extra time to practicing highlights his commitment to the Ryder Cup.

“I felt like I just wasn’t quite as sharp from short range as I needed to be,” Griffin added, already taking lessons from his loss. “But I’ll get to work this next week and hopefully make every single one of them at the Ryder Cup.”

Scottie Scheffler remarked, “Ben’s a guy that has always put in a ton of work, and he’s always looking to improve.” Hinting at future Ryder Cups, Scheffler placed his trust in Griffin. “He’s never lacked confidence, and he’s going to be a great part of our Ryder Cup team this year, and I’m sure he’ll be a part of many teams going forward as well.” 

Griffin’s willingness to learn from setbacks exemplifies the work ethic and mindset the U.S. team values. Combined with Scheffler’s trust in him, it underscores a foundation of resilience and commitment before the Ryder Cup.