Ben Griffin captures his first individual PGA TOUR title with dramatic one-shot victory at Charles Schwab Challenge
FORT WORTH, Texas – Ben Griffin's journey to his first individual PGA TOUR victory began years ago on a practice green in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. During the 2008 recession, when his family lost their home and made difficult sacrifices, his parents ensured their promising junior golfer could still reach the course and work on his craft.
That dedication to the short game paid dividends Sunday at Colonial Country Club, where Griffin captured the Charles Schwab Challenge with a gritty one-shot victory at 12-under par.
Despite struggling to a 1-over 71 in challenging wind conditions during the final round, Griffin's exceptional scrambling ability – honed through countless hours of practice during his family's toughest times – proved to be the difference maker.
"The scrambling is what put me in this seat here today," said Griffin, 29, wearing the tournament's distinctive tartan jacket. "I'm very confident in my short game. I credit that going back to junior golf. My parents did so much for me growing up, and I know they sacrificed a lot for me."
A Second Chance Seized
The victory represents remarkable validation for Griffin, who once stepped away from professional golf, disillusioned by his lack of results, to work in private industry. He returned to the game in 2021 with renewed conviction and has steadily built momentum ever since.
Griffin had come tantalizingly close to individual victory before, including a tie for third at the 2022 Butterfield Bermuda Championship and a tie for second at the 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship after holding 54-hole leads. Last month, he and Andrew Novak captured the team title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
His breakthrough week at Colonial followed a tie for eighth at the PGA Championship – his first made cut in a major championship – and marked his fifth top-10 finish of 2025.
"It's crazy how fast things can change in this game," Griffin reflected.
Drama on the Back Nine
Starting the final round tied with Matti Schmid at 13-under, Griffin burst from the gates with an eagle on the par-5 first hole and a birdie on the second, building what seemed like a commanding five-shot advantage.
But Colonial's back nine proved to be "quite the grind," as Griffin described it. He failed to record another birdie while making four bogeys, including two down the stretch, allowing Schmid to close the gap and create a tense finish.
The decisive moment came at the 440-yard 18th hole, where Griffin led by two shots. After finding the right rough off the tee, his approach shot landed on the grassy edge of the front-left bunker, leaving him an awkward stance with the ball at waist height.
Griffin executed a masterful chip shot to four feet, while Schmid's approach sailed through the green to a difficult short-sided position. When Schmid miraculously holed his birdie pitch, Griffin was left with a four-footer to claim victory.
With his fiancée Dana Myeroff and Zurich Classic partner Novak watching nervously, Griffin rolled in the winning putt with a perfect stroke.
"He's been good on Sundays, man," Novak observed. "Crazy finish."
Transformation Through Dedication
Griffin's success stems from a renewed commitment to excellence that began at the start of 2025. He embraced his second chance at professional golf by working harder on all aspects of his game, including a daily fitness regimen focused on flexibility and longevity.
"To see it all come together is a dream," said Myeroff.
The victory earned Griffin 500 FedExCup points, elevating him to fifth in the season-long standings and cementing his status as one of the tour's rising stars.
"Incredible week," Griffin said. "I'm very blessed."
From a young man practicing short shots during his family's financial struggles to lifting the tartan jacket at one of golf's most prestigious venues, Griffin's journey embodies the perseverance and dedication that define championship golf.
