Novak And Griffin Clinch First PGA Tour Victory In Dramatic Zurich Classic Finish
Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin secured their first PGA Tour victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event, finishing at 28-under-par after a thrilling final round battle.
Two golfers hugging in celebration
The winning duo overcame early pressure when they bogeyed the first hole while the Hojgaard twins birdied their opening two holes. However, Novak and Griffin quickly regained control with a birdie as the Hojgaards bogeyed the third.
A weather delay briefly disrupted their momentum, leading to back-to-back bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes. This allowed the team of Frankie Capan III and Jake Knapp to draw level after their birdie on the 10th, while the Hojgaard twins stayed within striking distance.
Two golfers standing on course
The decisive moment came on the 17th hole when Griffin sank a crucial birdie putt, moving them to 28-under and one shot clear of the field. They maintained their composure on the final hole to secure the victory.
The win was particularly meaningful for Griffin, who had narrowly missed qualifying for the Masters weeks earlier, and Novak, who had lost in a playoff at the previous week's RBC Heritage.
Final Standings:
- 1st: Andrew Novak/Ben Griffin (-28)
- T2nd: Ryo Hisatsune/Takumi Kanaya (-27)
- T2nd: Jake Knapp/Frankie Capan III (-27)
- 4th: Nicolai/Rasmus Hojgaard (-27)
- T12th: Rory McIlroy/Shane Lowry (-22)