When everything finally clicks, it’s pure magic.
Ben Griffin entered Sunday at the World Wide Technology Championship with a share of the lead, and this time, he wasn’t going to let it slip away. The 28-year-old from Chapel Hill had been knocking on the door all season—two wins already, but still hungry for more. He fired a final-round 68 to finish at 20-under-par, capturing his third PGA Tour victory of the season in dominant fashion.
This wasn’t just another win. This was a statement. Griffin now joins an elite group as only the third player this season to notch three victories, putting him in the same conversation with Scottie Scheffler and Hideki Matsuyama. That’s rarified air for a guy who, just a few years ago, was grinding on the Korn Ferry Tour.
The Final Round Drama
Sunday at El Cardonal wasn’t a walk in the park. Griffin had to navigate Mexico’s tricky coastal winds while knowing that Maverick McNealy was lurking just behind. McNealy, searching for his first PGA Tour win, put up a valiant fight with a final-round 67, but it wasn’t quite enough. He finished two shots back at 18-under, extending his winless streak despite another stellar performance.
The key moment came on the back nine when Griffin made consecutive birdies on holes 13 and 14, creating just enough separation to breathe. When your putter is hot and your mind is clear, golf becomes a whole different game. Griffin was locked in, and everyone at El Cardonal could feel it.
The Leaderboard Shuffle
Behind the leaders, the championship saw some fascinating movement. Joel Dahmen and Nico Echavarria both posted impressive Sunday rounds to climb into contention, but ultimately finished tied for third at 17-under. Max Greyserman, who has been one of the season’s most consistent players, rounded out the top five at 16-under.
What made this leaderboard interesting wasn’t just the names but the storylines. McNealy’s continued pursuit of that elusive first win. Dahmen’s resurgence after a tough stretch. And Griffin, proving that his breakthrough wasn’t a fluke—it was just the beginning.
What This Means for Griffin
Three wins before the calendar flips? That’s not just a good season; that’s a career-altering trajectory. Griffin has now established himself as one of the Tour’s most dangerous players, someone who doesn’t just compete—he closes. The mental fortitude required to win three times in a season is massive, and Griffin has shown he has it in spades.
The confidence boost from this victory heading into the rest of the season is immeasurable. He’s proven he can win with the lead, win from behind, and win when others are charging. That’s the mark of a player who’s figured something out that others are still searching for.
The Bigger Picture
While the World Wide Technology Championship might not carry the same prestige as a major, victories like this build careers. Griffin is stockpiling momentum, confidence, and crucial FedEx Cup points that will matter come playoff time. More importantly, he’s changing the narrative around his name from “promising player” to “legitimate force.”
For McNealy, the search continues. But getting into contention is half the battle—he’s knocking on the door, and eventually, it’s going to open. As for the rest of the field, they just witnessed what happens when talent meets opportunity and a clear mind. Griffin seized his moment at El Cardonal, and he’s not looking back.
