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PGA Tour Makes Historic Announcement After Charles Schwab Challenge

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated May 26, 2025 7:30 AM ET

Ben Griffin is finally a solo PGA Tour champion. The 29-year-old dramatically clinched the Charles Schwab Challenge, opening Sunday with an eagle and finishing with a clutch 4-foot par putt to seal a one-shot win over Matthias Schmid. Despite a challenging final round marked by gusty winds at Colonial, Griffin carded a 1-over 71 to end at 12-under 268, becoming only the fourth player since 1983 to eagle the first hole of a final round and go on to win.

PGA Tour wasted no time recognizing Griffin's rise. In a post-round message, they celebrated his grit, noting the significance of his journey.

“Ben Griffin opened the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge with an eagle,” the Tour shared on social media.

Just a month ago, Griffin tasted victory at the Zurich Classic alongside Andrew Novak. Now, with his first individual win, the North Carolina native has truly arrived.

Ben Griffin opened the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge with an eagle.

Becomes fourth player to eagle the first hole in the final round and win on TOUR (since 1983):
K.J. Choi/2006 Valspar Championship
Phil Mickelson/2009 The Genesis Invitational
Chris Kirk/2015…
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) May 25, 2025

"Picks up his first individual victory on TOUR (2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans with partner Andrew Novak)," PGA Tour wrote on X.

Griffin’s performance wasn’t without pressure. Schmid, a 27-year-old German chasing his first win, forced a nerve-wracking finish by sinking a birdie chip from the rough on the 72nd hole.

Ben Griffin wins the Charles Schwab Challenge, earning his second PGA TOUR victory in his 94th start at the age of 29 years, 19 days.

Picks up his first individual victory on TOUR (2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans with partner Andrew Novak).
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) May 25, 2025

Adding a touch of flair to his victory, Griffin received a 1992 Land Rover Defender as part of the winner's prize. But what makes this moment even more special? He had actually retired from golf in 2021.

After working as a loan officer, he returned, climbed through the Korn Ferry Tour, and now finds himself a PGA Tour winner with $2.1 million in earnings over two weeks including his T8 finish at the PGA Championship.

Griffin’s story is more than a win, it's a comeback for the ages.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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