No Scheffler, no problem: Ben Griffin eyes victory in Mexico with hilarious quip

Ben Griffin isn’t short of confidence heading into the final round of the World Wide Technology Championship — and he’s got Scottie Scheffler to thank for it.

After firing a 6-under-par 66 on Saturday at Tiger Woods’ El Cardonal course, Griffin finds himself just two shots behind leader Garrick Higgo at 20-under par.

But when asked what inspired him to tee it up this week, the American delivered one of the funniest lines of the season.

"I learned that Scottie wouldn’t be in the field at Cabo, so I felt like I’d have a chance," Griffin quipped with a grin.

It’s been that kind of year for Scheffler — dominant, relentless, and now apparently influencing who shows up to play. 

The runaway World No.1 and four-time major champion is taking a well-earned breather before his final start of 2025 at Woods’ Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, where he’ll chase a third straight victory and seventh win of the season. 

World No.12 Griffin, meanwhile, is chasing some elite company of his own. 

A win in Mexico would make him only the third player this PGA Tour season — alongside Scheffler and Rory McIlroy — to collect three or more titles. 

His two previous wins came at the Zurich Classic (with partner Andrew Novak) and the Charles Schwab Challenge.

On Saturday, Griffin caught fire early with four birdies in his opening six holes, then closed with three more over his final five to surge into contention.

"It’s been interesting — I haven’t found myself in this position too often," said Griffin, who played in his first Ryder Cup in September. 

"Usually, I’m way back or right in that final group. I actually like being the chaser. If I make eagle on the first hole tomorrow, I’m tied for the lead. That’s exciting."

Griffin also added that he’s relishing the freedom that comes with being the hunter rather than the hunted:

"I just want to post a number and make the guys behind me chase it," said Griffin, who knows another victory would cement his breakout year.

The World Wide Technology Championship marks the third last event of the PGA Tour season.

The top 100 on the FedEx Cup standings after the RSM Classic will earn their cards for 2026 - not 125 like seasons before. 

As for Scheffler, he’ll return at the Hero World Challenge in December looking to extend his dominance. 

The four-time major champion has won the last two editions at Albany Resort, last year cruising to a six-shot victory over Tom Kim — the biggest winning margin in the event’s history at that venue.

Scheffler will be aiming to become the first player ever to win the Hero World Challenge three years running. 

Only he, Woods (a record five-time winner), and Viktor Hovland have managed back-to-back triumphs.

But for now, it’s Griffin’s turn in the spotlight — and with Scheffler sunning himself elsewhere, the door to victory in Mexico might just be wide open.