Ben Griffin secured a significant victory over Scottie Scheffler at the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge by employing the Tiger Woods Putting Drill Technique, a practice that helped him maintain calm and precision under pressure. This win marked Griffin’s second PGA Tour triumph of the year and underscored his growing rivalry with the world number one.
Griffin’s Winning Strategy Against the Top Ranked Player
At the Colonial Country Club, Ben Griffin entered the tournament with a lead, determined to challenge Scottie Scheffler’s dominance. Recognizing Scheffler as one of golf’s best, Griffin’s mindset was clear: winning against the world number one is possible. He stated,
“My game feels really good. Obviously, Scottie Scheffler’s the best player in the world, but No. 1 can be beat.”
—Ben Griffin
Griffin credited a particular pre-round routine for his composure and success. He shared on the No Laying Up Podcast that he regularly practices the Tiger Woods putting gate drill, which involves placing two tees on either side of the putter to ensure a smooth, consistent stroke. He explained,
“Honestly, I was so calm. Like I do this, I do this Tiger Woods drill before every single round where I put two Tees around my putter and do it’s a gate drill and I do it on a right to left and a left to right.”
—Ben Griffin
This drill, performed consistently before each round, helps Griffin build muscle memory for putts breaking in different directions. He elaborated,
“And I do it with my…both hands..the exact same thing that I do before every single tournament round.”
—Ben Griffin
The Tiger Woods Putting Gate Drill Explained
The putting gate drill is a hallmark of Tiger Woods’ routine, used to perfect the putter’s path and enhance stroke consistency. By positioning two tees just outside the putter’s head, the drill creates a “gate” through which a golfer must stroke the club head cleanly. This helps avoid an outside-in or inside-out movement, leading to smoother ball roll and more accurate putts.
Tiger Woods combines this drill with tools like the EyeLine Golf Putting Alignment Mirror to ensure his posture and alignment support a square stroke. Such precision has been key to Tiger’s success, allowing him to control the speed and direction of the ball on the greens reliably throughout his career.
Griffin’s Calmness Under Fire During the Charles Schwab Challenge
During the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge, Griffin faced both opportunity and adversity. Despite a rocky third round marked by a double bogey and a bogey, he entered the final day tied for the 54-hole lead alongside Matti Schmid. In contrast, Scottie Scheffler started six strokes behind and eventually finished in a tie for fourth place.
Griffin’s ability to stay composed when the stakes were high proved critical. His routine, grounded in the Tiger Woods putting drill, kept him steady as he executed a key putt on the 18th green to clinch a narrow one-stroke victory. This performance not only reflected his technical skill but also illustrated the mental toughness honed by his practiced rituals.
A Rivalry Fueled by Ambition and Respect
The contest between Ben Griffin and Scottie Scheffler has quickly grown into a riveting rivalry on the PGA Tour. Their competition extends beyond scoreboard numbers, tapping into a deep-seated drive shared since childhood. Griffin has openly accepted the challenge of unseating Scheffler, the current world number one, fueling an intense pursuit of excellence.
After his breakthrough win over Scheffler, Griffin confidently stated,
“Scottie Scheffler’s the best player in the world, but No. 1 can be beat. I beat him last week.”
—Ben Griffin
Despite finishing runner-up at the Memorial Tournament following a tight final round, Griffin remains undeterred. He expressed his resolve, saying,
“It kind of stings a little bit because I’m going to come back with some vengeance.”
—Ben Griffin
This rivalry brings added excitement to the PGA Tour, raising the stakes for every contest between these two players as Griffin attempts to push beyond Scheffler’s dominance and stake his claim at the top of the golfing world.
What Lies Ahead for Griffin and Scheffler on the Tour
Ben Griffin’s adoption of the Tiger Woods Putting Drill Technique has already proven valuable for managing the pressure of high-level competition. As Griffin continues to refine his putting and overall game, his threat to Scottie Scheffler’s reign is becoming clearer. With his determination and established routine, Griffin is positioning himself as a new contender to watch closely this PGA Tour season.
Their ongoing rivalry is expected to drive both athletes to elevate their performances, captivating golf fans worldwide. Griffin’s commitment to mastering every aspect of his game, including his putting stroke, may well influence other players to adopt similar routines in pursuit of consistency and success.