GOLF.AI • Oct 31, 2026

Friends vs. Foes: A Weekend Showdown

A compelling storyline is taking shape at the VidantaWorld Mexico Open, where Andrew Novak holds a three-shot lead heading into the weekend. But this is more than a race for a trophy; it's a battle between friends and former teammates. One of the players in the chasing pack is Ben Griffin, the very partner with whom Novak celebrated victory at the 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

That shared team win adds a fascinating psychological layer to this weekend's duel. They know each other's games intimately, transforming the final pairing into a strategic chess match. For Novak, the pressure is immense as he chases his first-ever solo PGA TOUR victory, a career-defining milestone that has so far eluded him.

Their paths to this showdown have been markedly different this season. Griffin navigated a high-profile caddie change and recovered from a lingering knee injury. Meanwhile, Novak, after a season of struggles on the greens, found a spark of magic by digging a rusted, old putter out of his closet. The vintage club has paid dividends, culminating in a blistering second-round 61.

The separation between the two friends was crystallized during a pivotal two-shot swing on the 15th hole Friday. Novak drained a 15-foot birdie putt, while Griffin found the water and walked away with a bogey. It was a single moment that created the three-shot gap they now face, setting the stage for a weekend where a partnership is temporarily set aside for the pursuit of individual glory.