Being world No. 1 comes with its pressures and it’s something that Scottie Scheffler now has to contend with following Ben Griffin’s bold statement about him following the US Open
Scottie Scheffler has been put on notice by Ben Griffin(Image: Getty Images)
Ben Griffin has thrown down the gauntlet to world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, signalling his intentions to challenge the golf superstar after their recent clash at the US Open. Scheffler, 28, wrapped up the tournament in joint-seventh place, carding a four-over-par.
Griffin, 29, finished a whisker behind in joint-10th with a five-over-par score. The North Carolina-born star turned heads during the major, especially after he found himself among the seven players who managed even par or better after the initial two rounds.
The event was ultimately clinched by J.J. Spaun, but it was Griffin’s performance that had people talking, reports the Mirror US.
Speaking on Sirius XM Radio after his second round, Griffin surprised listeners with a surprising take as he said: “I feel like I’m one of the top few golfers in the world right now.
“I’m just at a point in my career where I’m doing some good things physically and mentally. I’m in a really good place where I’m just trying to be one of the best golfers in the world, or honestly, be the best golfer in the world. I’m excited to take down Scottie [Scheffler].”
Ben Griffin has challenged some of the game’s biggest stars(Image: Getty Images)
The rivalry between Griffin and Scheffler isn’t new. Earlier this year it was Scheffler who edged out Griffin to claim victory at the Memorial Tournament, adding another layer to their competitive dynamic.
“After the Memorial, I was so disappointed in finishing second, and if I go back two years, it would be the greatest thing ever to finish second to Scottie, but now I just feel like I belong at the top,” Griffin added.
Neither player performed to their best at Oakmont, which Scheffler acknowledged. However, he expressed satisfaction in his perseverance in the face of a tough challenge.
“My first three days, I felt like I was battling the whole time,” Scheffler said. “Today, I hit some shots, I hit some putts that I really thought were going in, hit some lips.
Scottie Scheffler addressed his struggles at the Oakmont Country Club(Image: Getty)
“It was just challenging. There was a lot of pitch on the greens and you got to do a lot right in order to hole putts.”
He continued: “I was just right on the edge today. If I had four days like I did today, I think it would have been a different story.
“I was playing kind of behind the eight ball most of the week hitting the ball in the rough. Overall, proud of how I battled, gave myself a chance, but ultimately didn’t have enough.”
Griffin and Scheffler will soon go head-to-head once more as they are lined up to take part in the Travelers Championship later this week. The last signature event of the 2025 PGA Tour season will get underway on Thursday, June 19.
