The Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana produced not just one first-time PGA Tour winner, but two. In the tour’s only team event, Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin prevailed by shooting 62-66-61-71 (-28), one stroke better than twin brothers Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard.
For Novak, who lost to Justin Thomas in a playoff the week prior at the RBC Heritage, the victory was extra special.
“I’m really glad I had Ben to guide me through it today,” Novak said. “The wheels were coming off and I was having issues after the weather delay but he played awesome. We kept it together. The putt on 17 was unbelievable and I’m glad we got it done.”
This year’s Zurich Classic was Novak’s 100th career PGA Tour start and Griffin’s 90th. They’ve both played in the Zurich Classic before, but never as partners.
Novak and Griffin took a three-shot lead in the final round and maintained it through seven holes of alternate-shot play on Sunday before lightning forced an hour-and-a-half suspension. After play resumed, the pair bogeyed Nos. 8 and 9 and their lead disappeared after the 10th. Still tied on the 17th hole, Griffin made a 35-foot putt for birdie.
“I was just trying to lag it up there close for Andrew,” Griffin said. “Obviously I took a line where I thought I’d make it and fortunately hit it on it and it fell to the center. The reaction says it all.”
Jake Knapp and PGA Tour rookie teammate Frankie Capan III finished third, shooting 63-69-60-70 (-26). They started the final round three strokes behind Novak and Griffin before fighting back to grab a share of the lead after 10 holes. However, a Capan tee shot into the water on the par-3 17 led to a bogey that dropped them back.
Defending Zurich Classic champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry shot 64-69-61-72 (-22). The pair finished T12. It was McIlroy’s first start since completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters.
“Overall it’s been a good week,” McIlroy said. “It’s always good to team up with [Lowry]. We’ve had fun.”
PGA Tour rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo not only made their tournament debut, finishing in the top 10, but set the 18-hole Zurich Classic record in four-ball during the first round, shooting 58 (-14). Through the first 11 holes, the pair had 10 birdies and an eagle. It was a masterclass of putting by Salinda, and even Velo was impressed.
“It’s very easy to play golf when you have a partner that’s making a lot of putts,” Velo said. “We kind of fed off each other, and I kind of sprinkled in some birdies when we needed to, but pretty much I was on his back the whole day.”
Everett Munez