PGA Tour winner asks for payout after text message helped golfer bank £540,000
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Ryan Gerard won his first PGA Tour title at the Barracuda Championship, but it could have been a different story had he not ignored advice from Ben Griffin. PGA Tour ace Ben Griffin cheekily demanded a substantial slice of Ryan Gerard’s 540,000 lb windfall after disclosing he played a crucial role in his breakthrough triumph. The 25-year-old secured his debut PGA Tour victory almost a fortnight ago at the Barracuda Championship, defeating previous champion Eric Van Ruan by three points. Alongside the silverware came the substantial prize fund that represents the largest earnings of his professional career. Yet, there existed a scenario where Gerard wouldn’t have even participated in the tournament as he was scheduled to jet off to Northern Ireland for the Open Championship, which was won by Scotty Sheffller, where he held second alternate status. His 11th hour journey to Portrush never materialized following a message from Griffin, 29, encouraging him to stay stateside and concentrate on the competition staged at the Tahoe Mountain Club. advice that led to his friend winning a life-changing amount of money, reports the Mirror US. Griffin, who won the Charles Schwab challenge in May, disclosed the details of the story before the Windham Championship commencing on Thursday, where he’ll compete against Gerard. I think anyone would have responded kind of the same way I did to Ryan. Gerard, Griffin said, because he sent the text to both me and my caddy like, “Hey, I’m second alternate. Should I come over there?” I mean, it was Tuesday. The answer is no. Go focus on trying to win that. The Barracuda Championship. Don’t even like look at the leaderboard. Don’t pay attention to anything. Just focus on your tournament and what you’re trying to accomplish. I think any other golfer would have said that. It just so happens that me and Ryan are close. And so, he texts me. Whilst Griffin himself is enjoying a career and financial best season where he’s pocketed over6 million pounds in prize money this year, it didn’t prevent him from cheekily requesting a sizable portion of Gerard’s prize fund. Just 50% of his earnings is all, Griffin quipped. I still haven’t received anything. I’ve been looking on Zel and Wells Fargo and Merryill accounts. Nothing’s hit yet. I’ll take the credit, I guess.
