### Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin Achieve Long-Awaited Victory at Zurich Classic Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin have finally secured their first PGA Tour titles by winning the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a significant milestone in their golfing careers. The duo triumphed in a nail-biting finish, shooting a final round of 1-under 71 in alternate-shot play, finishing at 28-under 260 overall, just one stroke ahead of their closest competitors, Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard. This victory marks a turning point for both golfers, who have faced numerous challenges and near-misses in their professional journeys [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6316329/2025/04/27/zurich-classic-pga-tour-andrew-novak-ben-griffin, https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic]. ### Breakdown of the Zurich Classic Victory 1. **Tournament Overview** - The Zurich Classic is the only team event on the PGA Tour, held at TPC Louisiana. - Novak and Griffin entered the final round with a three-stroke lead after an impressive 11-under 61 in the previous round [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-04-26/novak-and-griffin-shoot-61-in-zurich-classic-better-ball-play-to-take-3-shot-lead]. 2. **Final Round Performance** - The pair faced pressure during the final round but managed to maintain composure, finishing with a score of 1-under 71. - Griffin made a crucial birdie putt from nearly 35 feet on the 17th hole, which helped secure their victory [https://www.wfla.com/sports/sports-illustrated/86de99b0/2025-zurich-classic-final-payouts-prize-money-winnings-ben-griffin-andrew-novak-win-1329400]. 3. **Significance of the Win** - This victory is particularly significant for Novak, who had previously lost in a playoff just a week prior at the RBC Heritage, and for Griffin, who has been striving for a breakthrough in his career [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/golf/2025/04/26/andrew-novak-and-ben-griffin-shoot-61-in-zurich-classic-better-ball-play-to-take-3-shot-lead]. - Both players have now solidified their status on the PGA Tour, with Novak participating in his 100th event and Griffin in his 90th [https://www.yardbarker.com/golf/articles/andrew_novak_ben_griffin_clinch_first_pga_wins_at_zurich_classic/s1_17051_42117813]. ### Key Statistics and Highlights - **Final Scores:** - Novak and Griffin: 28-under 260 - Højgaard Twins: 27-under 261 - Jake Knapp and Frankie Capan III: 26-under 262 [https://www.nbcsports.com/golf/news/ben-griffin-andrew-novak-become-first-time-pga-tour-winners-at-zurich-classic]. - **Payout:** - The winning team earned $1,329,400 from a total purse of $9.2 million [https://www.wfla.com/sports/sports-illustrated/86de99b0/2025-zurich-classic-final-payouts-prize-money-winnings-ben-griffin-andrew-novak-win-1329400]. ### Conclusion: A Milestone for Novak and Griffin In summary, **Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin's victory at the Zurich Classic represents a significant achievement in their careers**, showcasing their resilience and teamwork. This win not only highlights their potential as emerging stars on the PGA Tour but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional golf. 1. Novak and Griffin overcame previous disappointments to claim their first titles. 2. Their performance in the final round was marked by strategic play and crucial moments. 3. The victory solidifies their positions in the competitive landscape of professional golf, with substantial financial rewards accompanying their success. This win is a testament to their hard work and determination, setting the stage for future successes in their golfing careers [https://www.nola.com/sports/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-finally-break-through-win-zurich-classic-with-clutch-finish/article_ea118652-e215-436c-9aef-f42bd57cb6c7.html].