Novak and Griffin Clinch Zurich Classic

Welcome back, Duffers.

Happy Monday! We’ve got your weekly summary of the world of professional golf.

Let’s dive in!

Today’s highlights:

• Novak and Griffin Clinch Zurich Classic

• Mao Saigo Survives Chevron Championship Chaos

• Niemann Wins LIV Mexico City Amid Dying Interest

Tournament Recap 🏌️

Novak and Griffin Clinch Zurich Classic

Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin claimed their first PGA Tour victories at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Tour’s only team event, held at TPC Louisiana. The duo posted a final-round 1-under 71 in the alternate-shot (foursomes) format, finishing at 28-under 260 for the tournament. Their rounds included a 62 (four-ball), 66 (foursomes), 61 (four-ball), and 71 (foursomes), showcasing their ability to adapt across formats.

The win was no walk in the park. Starting the final round with a three-shot lead, Novak and Griffin stumbled early with a bogey on the first hole and faced pressure after a 90-minute weather delay on the eighth hole. Consecutive bogeys on the 8th and 9th holes allowed Jake Knapp and Frankie Capan III to tie them at 27-under. The turning point came on the par-3 17th, the day’s toughest hole, where Griffin drained a clutch birdie putt to reclaim the lead at 28-under. On the 18th, a steady par sealed the victory.

They edged out Danish twin brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, who finished one stroke back at 27-under after a final-round 68. The Højgaards mounted a late charge, with Nicolai’s 42-foot birdie on the 14th and a birdie on the 18th after a fortunate free drop, but it wasn’t enough. Knapp and Capan III took third at 26-under, undone by Capan’s water-bound tee shot on 17, leading to a bogey. Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry struggled with a final-round 72, tying for 12th at 22-under.

Novak, fresh off a playoff loss to Justin Thomas at the RBC Heritage, and Griffin, who had been close to a win before, leaned on their long-standing friendship and complementary games to triumph. Their victory earned each player $1,329,400, 400 FedEx Cup points, and exemptions into the 2026 Masters, 2025 PGA Championship, and The Sentry.  

You have to win an event on your own if you want that coveted Masters invite!

Noteworthy Stories ✍🏻

Mao Saigo Survives Chevron Championship Chaos

Mao Saigo captured the LPGA’s first major of 2025, the Chevron Championship, in a dramatic five-way playoff at The Club at Carlton Woods. Ariya Juntanugarn’s collapse, marked by a flubbed chip on the 72nd hole, opened the door for Saigo, Hyo Joo Kim, Ruoning Yin, and Lindy Duncan to join the playoff, which Saigo won on the first extra hole.

Fans, however, were vocal about the event’s shortcomings. The repetitive use of a grandstand as a backstop on the 18th hole—allowing players to bounce shots off it for easier approaches—was widely criticized as a gimmick unfit for a major championship. Combined with the venue’s lack of major-caliber prestige, many argue the Chevron feels like a standard LPGA event. Still, Saigo and her caddie’s leap into the pond preserved the event’s iconic tradition.

Should the LPGA rethink this major’s home?

Niemann Wins LIV Mexico City Amid Dying Interest

Joaquin Niemann secured his third LIV Golf victory in six starts at LIV Mexico City, navigating the high-altitude course with precision. The event saw monster drives, with Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm drawing attention for their 400-yard bombs that electrified the crowd.

Niemann’s steady play and sharp short game carried him to the win, but the LIV format’s complexity left fans unclear on its significance. Despite his success, Niemann’s major championship showings remain lackluster, and LIV Golf struggles to maintain relevance. With a roster of fading stars, the circuit fails to generate sustained excitement, leaving Niemann’s brilliance as a lone highlight.

Can he translate this form to the majors, or will LIV remain a niche spectacle?

Golf Deal Of The Week 👀

Looking to upgrade your golf gear without feeling like you just triple-bogeyed your bank account?

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From drivers that’ll add serious yardage to your swing, to shoes that feel like walking on freshly cut fairways, these finds are priced to please.

So before you spend big at the shop, take a swing at these sweet deals.

Trust us—your wallet will thank you.

Product: 15-Count Wilson Ultra Distance Golf Balls

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Product Details:

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The Ultra Distance delivers less spin on drives, equaling more distance off the tee. In addition, the durable Surlyn cover with a 432 dimple pattern provides deliverability throughout the entire round.

• 15-ball pack

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Until next time, keep it in the fairway!

— The Duffer’s Crew