Professional golf brings weekly pressure with livelihoods and paychecks at stake, yet personal bonds continue to shine through. Ben Griffin recently demonstrated this camaraderie by celebrating the major milestones achieved by two of his close friends in the sport.
Celebrating Friendships on the Course
Griffin waited by the 18th green on Sunday evening to congratulate Andrew Novak after Novak secured his first solo PGA Tour title. The two players previously teamed up to win the Zurich Classic the prior year. Just days later, Griffin displayed even deeper emotion while discussing another golf companion, Austin Hitt, who recently secured his first PGA Tour card by capturing his maiden Korn Ferry Tour victory.
College Bonds and Future Outlook
Griffin and Hitt previously played together as college teammates at the University of North Carolina, where Griffin viewed Hitt as a younger brother figure. Hitt achieved his breakthrough professional milestone following the loss of his father to cancer a few years earlier. Speaking to reporters ahead of his title defense at the World Wide Technology Championship, Griffin visibly teared up while discussing Hitt’s journey.
Looking ahead, Griffin, Novak, and Hitt are expected to spend plenty of time playing practice rounds together on the PGA Tour in 2027.
