Monday, April 28th, 2025 Balls & Bogeys Golf News Edition
Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak team up to win Zurich Classic for their first PGA Tour wins
– by Adam Schupak / Golfweek
Per Adam: “Teamwork makes the dream work.
It did for good friends Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin, who joined forces to win for the first time on the PGA Tour. It was only fitting that the stars finally aligned for the two pros, winning the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Sunday at the circuit’s lone team event…”
B&B POV: Is there anything better in golf than winning a big, fat, giant check and a shiny trophy? Winning with a buddy sure is. Just ask Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin, who finally made “best friends winning stuff together” look like a legitimate career path by taking home the title at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans — the PGA TOUR’s only team event.
Sure, we were rooting for Rory and Shane (because… obviously), but we’re not mad about Novak and Griffin pulling off the win. We’re thrilled! After all, it’s about time the stars aligned for Novak, who’s been on a heater, including losing two weeks ago in a playoff against JT at the RBC Heritage. We’re guessing Novak and Griffin enjoyed themselves a yard of Hurricane or two in the French Quarter last night. We would’ve.
The 2025 Zurich Classic Payouts: Winners & Losers
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin are officially PGA TOUR winners—and significantly wealthier—after clinching their first career titles at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The duo each pocketed a cool $1,329,400, proving that friendship and a solid golf game can indeed be lucrative.
The tournament reached its climax when Griffin sank a clutch birdie putt on the par-3 17th hole, propelling them to a one-shot victory over the formidable Hojgaard twins, Rasmus and Nicolai. Their final score of 28 under par secured not just the win but also a hefty payday…
Mao Saigo win Chevron Championship in stunning five-way playoff
– by Golf Channel Staff
Per Golf Channel: “Mao Saigo was shaking with nervousness before her putt for birdie on the first hole of a five-way playoff Sunday in the Chevron Championship.”
B&B POV: Mao Saigo looked nervous making her winning 3-footer in the Chevron Championship playoff to fend off four competitors. But no one looked more nervous finishing up the tourney than long-hitting Ariya Jutanugarn, who nearly whiffed her pitch shot on her 72nd hole. All she needed was a par to pull off victory by one shot. Ouch. Congrats to Mao, a 2nd-year pro who won Rookie of the Year in ’24. Today, she’s a first-time major champion. Dinah is smiling down from above.
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Golf Shirts – Our Favorite Trending Styles, Brands and Ballers
– by Thomas Hamden / Balls & Bogeys
Per Thomas: “The days of dull, boxy polo shirts and uninspired colors on the golf course are so last decade. Today, golf shirts are bringing the drip to the driving range. Whether you’re hitting 300-yard bombs or just trying to look good at the 19th hole, we’ve rounded up the top trending golf shirt brands that are not only functional but stylish enough to make you the best-dressed in your foursome. And yes, we’ve sprinkled in a little humor because golf should be fun—just like your wardrobe…”
Michael Block is doing Michael Block things at the PGA Professional Championship
– by Christopher Powers / Golf Digest
Per Christopher: “Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Block is back…”
B&B POV: Who loves themselves a Block Party? We know Michael Block and his minions sure do. He continues to impress on the course and social media. If he finishes top 20 in the PGA Professional Championship (pros who work in golf), he’ll secure another entry into the PGA Championship (pros who play on TV). Let’s goooooo!
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Things you just can’t make up. Don’t miss these random nuggets of gold we found on the interwebs. You’re welcome.