Andrew novak, Ben Griffin Secure First PGA tour Wins at Zurich Classic
AVONDALE, La. – In a dramatic finish at the Zurich Classic, Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin captured their first PGA Tour victories, overcoming a weather delay and stiff competition to win by a single stroke. The duo finished at 28-under 260 at TPC Louisiana. [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)]
Clutch Putting Seals the Victory
Novak and griffin, who began the final round with a three-shot lead, saw that advantage evaporate as jake Knapp and Frankie Capan III mounted a challenge. However,Griffin sank a crucial birdie putt from nearly 35 feet on the par-3 17th,regaining the lead for his team. That pivotal moment gave them a two-shot cushion after Capan’s wayward tee shot found the water on the same hole. Despite Novak’s tee shot on 17 also flirting with the water, Griffin’s clutch putt enabled the team to secure victory with a par on the 18th.
Weather Delay Adds to the Tension
The final round faced a weather delay of just over 90 minutes,interrupting play with Novak and Griffin on the eighth hole. The interruption forced the players to regroup and maintain their focus amidst the mounting pressure of the competition.
Defending Champions Falter
Masters champion Rory McIlroy and his fellow Irishman Shane Lowry, the defending champions, were in contention for much of the tournament. Though, three late bogeys derailed their chances, ultimately placing them 12th, six shots behind the leaders.
Hojgaard Twins Finish Strong
Danish identical twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard put up a strong fight, carding a final-round 68. They narrowly missed out on claiming their first PGA Tour win, finishing in second place.
Novak’s Breakthrough Victory
For Novak, this win marks a significant breakthrough after a string of strong performances. It’s his first victory after a pair of top-three finishes this month, including a playoff loss to Justin Thomas at the RBC Heritage a week prior. [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)]
McIlroy and Lowry Clinch Zurich Classic Victory in Thrilling Finish
AVONDALE, La. – Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry secured victory at the Zurich Classic, showcasing resilience and teamwork at TPC Louisiana. Despite a late stumble, their strong performance throughout the tournament earned them the coveted title, delighting the large, supportive gallery.
Late Bogey Can’t Stop McIlroy and Lowry
McIlroy and Lowry faced adversity on the 13th hole, where a bogey threatened their lead. Mishits and a missed par putt tested their composure, but they rallied to maintain their advantage. The duo ultimately finished the tournament on a high note, with Lowry sinking a crowd-pleasing birdie putt on the 18th.
Hojgaard Twins Make a Run
The Hojgaard twins delivered a stellar performance, with Nicolai sinking an remarkable 42-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole. Rasmus narrowly missed a 27-foot birdie putt on the 16th, which would have tied them for the lead.
Rookies Salinda and Velo Impress
PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo,who led after the first two days,finished tied for eighth at 24 under. Their record-breaking better-ball score of 58 on thursday set a new tournament standard.
Fan Support and Sportsmanship
Throughout the tournament, McIlroy and Lowry enjoyed the unwavering support of keen fans. mcilroy acknowledged the crowd with waves,and after sinking the final birdie,he tossed the ball into the water.
Beyond the birdie on 17, what othre key shots or moments contributed to Novak and Griffin maintaining their lead and ultimately winning?
Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin’s Zurich Classic Triumph: A Q&A
The Zurich Classic of New Orleans saw Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin achieve their first PGA tour wins in a thrilling tournament. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments.
Q&A
Who won the Zurich Classic?
Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin won the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)].
What was the winning score?
The winning duo finished at 28-under 260 at TPC Louisiana [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)].
How did they secure the victory?
Griffin made a crucial 35-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to regain the lead.They then secured the win with a par on the 18th hole [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)].
Who were the main competitors?
Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard finished second, and Jake Knapp and Frankie Capan III also mounted a challenge [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)].
How did the weather affect the game?
The final round had a weather delay of over 90 minutes which interrupted play on the eighth hole.
What happened to the defending champions, Rory mcilroy and Shane Lowry?
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, the defending champions, finished in 12th place after three late bogeys. [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)]
What’s next for Andrew Novak?
This win marks a meaningful breakthrough for Novak after a series of strong performances that included a playoff loss at the RBC Heritage [[1](https://www.si.com/golf/andrew-novak-ben-griffin-first-pga-tour-wins-zurich-classic)].
this victory marks a significant milestone in their careers. Keep an eye out for Novak and Griffin as they continue their PGA tour journey!
