Griffin Lauds Hitt's Emotional PGA Tour Breakthrough
Ben Griffin spoke about college teammate Austin Hitt earning his PGA Tour card ahead of the World Wide Technology Championship.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Golf
Ben Griffin spoke emotionally about college teammate Austin Hitt, who earned his PGA Tour card for the first time by winning his maiden Korn Ferry Tour title. Griffin also congratulated Andrew Novak on his first solo PGA Tour title, earned Sunday.
Why it matters
Hitt's card comes after the loss of his father to cancer a couple of years earlier, a context Griffin addressed in his remarks. The moment highlights the path from the Korn Ferry Tour to full PGA Tour status for players in the field.
Ben Griffin is a three-time PGA Tour winner, and Austin Hitt secured his PGA Tour card with his maiden Korn Ferry Tour title. Hitt's first PGA Tour season outcome is not yet known.
The players
Ben Griffin
Ben Griffin is a three-time PGA Tour winner and the title defender at the World Wide Technology Championship.
Austin Hitt
Austin Hitt is a former UNC golfer who earned his PGA Tour card by winning his first Korn Ferry Tour title.
Andrew Novak
Andrew Novak is a golfer who won his first solo PGA Tour title on Sunday and previously won the Zurich Classic alongside Ben Griffin.
The details
On Sunday evening, Griffin was present off the 18th green to congratulate Novak, with whom he won last year's Zurich Classic. On Tuesday, ahead of his title defense at the World Wide Technology Championship, Griffin spoke about Hitt, his former UNC teammate.
Timeline
Sunday, November 1, 2026: Andrew Novak earns his first solo PGA Tour title; Griffin congratulates him off the 18th green.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Griffin speaks emotionally about Hitt ahead of the World Wide Technology Championship.
2027: Griffin, Hitt, and Novak are expected to play many practice rounds together.
Season Trajectory
Novak's first solo PGA Tour title extends the partnership he and Griffin built when they won last year's Zurich Classic together. Hitt's first Korn Ferry Tour victory opens his first full PGA Tour season in 2027.
Golf fans following the PGA Tour can track Hitt's first season as a full member, which begins in 2027. Viewers planning to watch the World Wide Technology Championship can follow Griffin's title defense.
The takeaway
Hitt's path shows how a Korn Ferry Tour win can open the door to full PGA Tour status. Players at every stage of their careers often rely on the support of teammates and peers.
What happens next
Griffin defends his title at the World Wide Technology Championship, and Hitt begins his first full PGA Tour season in 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Golf coverage for context on the players and tournaments in this story.
