Novak and Griffin Claim First PGA Team Match Victory

Victory in Zurich Classic Playoff

Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin (both from the United States) are celebrating their thrilling first victory at the PGA Tour team match Zurich Classic on the 27th (local time). Photo by AP

Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin (both from the United States) teamed up to claim their first victory at the Zurich Classic, the only team match event on the PGA Tour, which has a total prize fund of $9.2 million.

The Novak-Griffin duo recorded a 9-under-par 63 in the final round of the tournament, held on April 28 (Korean time) at TPC Louisiana (par 72) in Avondale, Louisiana, USA, playing in the four-ball format (where each player plays their own ball and the best score is selected). With a final total of 25-under-par 263, they tied with the team of Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard, and secured the title after a playoff.

On the first playoff hole (the 18th), both teams made par, leaving the match undecided. On the second playoff hole, Novak and Griffin calmly secured par, while Brehm and Hubbard made bogey, determining the outcome.

This victory marks the first career win on the PGA Tour for both Novak and Griffin. Although both players had recently shown potential during their rookie seasons, neither had previously captured a title. In particular, Novak had continued his upward momentum with a strong finish at the recent RBC Heritage, but had not managed to secure his first win until now.

In a post-match interview, Novak said, "With Ben, I felt like anything was possible," and added, "Believing in each other and never giving up led to today's result." Griffin also commented, "It feels like this is just the beginning. We will continue to show even better performances going forward."

With this win, Novak and Griffin have secured PGA Tour playing privileges for the next two years, and will also share FedEx Cup points and the winner's prize money.

The Zurich Classic has been held as a team match event on the PGA Tour schedule since 2017. The 1st and 3rd rounds are played in the foursomes format (where two players alternate shots with one ball), while the 2nd and 4th rounds use the four-ball format. Beyond individual skills, teamwork, chemistry, and strategy are decisive factors in this tournament.

Meanwhile, the defending champions, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, finished tied for 14th, while the brother duo of Matt Fitzpatrick and Alex Fitzpatrick finished tied for 5th.