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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
From junior events to the PGA Tour, Ben Griffin and Ryan Gerard share a special bond
Wednesday steak night has become a tradition unlike any other for PGA Tour pro Ryan Gerard and caddie Alex Ritthamel. It began early this season when Ritthamel, who caddies for Ben Griffin, stayed at Gerard's home during the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 'Ever since that event, either Ben or I has basically finished top-10 every week that we've done it, so we kind of kept it going just out of superstition,' Gerard said. That includes in New Orleans, where Griffin tasted victory on the PGA Tour for the first time in the team event with Andrew Novak, and Dallas, where he won individually. Just two weeks ago, it was Gerard's turn to notch his maiden Tour title. Not too shabby for teammates at University of North Carolina who are enjoying two of the most notable breakout seasons this year. 'I think I'd like a little credit for making Alex well fed,' Gerard said. Who picks up the tab for dinner is determined by who makes more money in a given week. Each time Griffin won, Ritthamel ended up digging into his back pocket for his wallet to pay for dinner. It almost happened a third time at the Memorial but Scottie Scheffler is a force to be reckoned with and successfully defended his title. 'I was a little bit bummed at Memorial this year when you didn't close the deal,' Gerard told Griffin, 'because I made like $4,000 more than him that week, so then I was on the hook for dinner the next week. Yeah, you know, try and win Memorial next year.' But Gerard happily will buy Griffin's dinner for his wise counsel as Gerard debated flying to Northern Ireland, where he was second alternate for the British Open at Royal Portrush. Griffin told him that he already was in the Barracuda Championship, which was held in Truckee, California, and to go there and win the thing. Gerard did just that and so Griffin is waiting for Gerard to give him his cut of his winnings. 'Just 50 percent of his earnings is all,' Griffin joked. 'I've been looking on Zelle and Wells Fargo and Merrill accounts, nothing's hit yet.' 'If he's so inclined, I will treat him to dinner on a Wednesday night of his choosing,' Gerard promised. These two friends, who were raised little more than an hour apart from each other, first played a junior event together at University of North Carolina's Finley Golf Course when Gerard was 9 or 10, Griffin about 12. They became fast friends, even if Griffin gave him a hard time when Gerard was a freshman at UNC. 'When you get out here and you have like one of your best friends playing practice rounds with you all the time and kind of rooting for you, it was awesome seeing him win multiple times early this year, and inspirational,' Gerard said. 'I can't let him get too far ahead of me in the win column so we've got to rein it in here a little bit. Just to see what he's done all season has been awesome and I hope he continues doing it, and if he continues doing it, I'm going to keep on his heels pushing him.' Griffin took a job selling insurance for a short time before resuming his pro golf aspirations. Gerard witnessed how hard Griffin worked on 100 degree days in the summer to get ready for Q-School. 'It wasn't just a fluke. Like he wanted it from the first moment that I met him, and he got to a point where I feel like it got difficult and there were a lot of decisions that he had to make. "But for him to go out and earn it, really, really dig his heels in and make sure that he wasn't going to let anyone stand in the way of him and his dream when he got his second opportunity,' Gerard said. 'Second chances are rare and when you get them you want to take advantage of them as you can.' Gerard can relate. When he got his latest chance to be in the trophy hunt, he recalled advice from UNC men's basketball coach Roy Williams, who texts Gerard every couple of weeks with words of encouragement. That included reminding him that legendary Tarheels men's basketball coach Dean Smith made it to four Final Fours before he finally got to cut down the nets. Gerard kept his cool to the end in claiming his first Tour title at the Barracuda. 'It's something that you work your entire life for. You never want to get ahead of yourself. You never want to feel like you put the cart before the horse and you let it slip away from you,' he said. 'But walking up knowing that you were going to win a PGA Tour event and I've spent hours and hours and hours on driving ranges and putting greens and golf courses and on airplanes since I was 5, 6 years old with a goal to win, kind of seeing all those moments kind of flash before you to end up culminating in a really special goal with a lot of people that have helped me along the way, it was pretty special.' Worthy of a Wednesday night steak dinner.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
PGA Tour star banked £540k after fellow player's very honest text message – 'Answer is no'
Ben Griffin is a two-time PGA Tour winner and enjoying the best year of his career, but that didn't stop him from cheekily requesting a portion of recent Ryan Gerard's winnings PGA Tour ace Ben Griffin cheekily demanded a substantial slice of Ryan Gerard's £540,000 prize pot after disclosing he played a crucial role in his landmark triumph. Gerard, 25, secured his first PGA Tour victory 10 days ago at the Barracuda Championship, defeating previous champion Erik van Rooyen by three shots. 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 competition as he was scheduled to jet off to Northern Ireland for The Open Championship, where he held second alternate status. His eleventh-hour journey to Portrush, where Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, never materialised following a message from Griffin, 29, encouraging him to stay in America and concentrate on the tournament at Tahoe Mountain Club - counsel that has subsequently transformed his fortunes, reports the Mirror US. Griffin, who won the Charles Schwab Challenge in May, explained their communication prior to the Wyndham Championship, where he'll compete against Gerard. "I think anyone would have responded kind of the same way I did to Ryan," he said. "Because he sent the text to both me and my caddie, like 'Hey, I'm second alternate, should I come over there?' I mean, it was Tuesday, the answer's 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 savouring a career-best season where he's pocketed over £6million in prize money, it didn't prevent him from cheekily requesting a portion of Gerard's winnings. "Just 50% of his earnings, is all," Griffin quipped. "I still haven't received anything. I've been looking on Zelle and Wells Fargo and Merrill accounts, nothing's hit yet ... I'll take the credit I guess." Griffin last month became entangled in a row involving golf legend Jack Nicklaus, where the Chapel Hill-born player received sympathy from the 85-year-old, who spoke out against on-course television interviews. He was taking part in the Memorial Tournament last month, the tournament that is hosted by the 18-time major winner. After walking towards his ball in the second round, Griffin was approached by Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard, who carried out a walk-and-talk interview. The reporter said: "Joked yesterday, I asked you what your energy levels are like, and your wife had one answer. She said she was exhausted, you said you were fine. How are you?" Griffin replied before coverage switched back to the commentary box where Nicklaus, who was sitting as a guest, expressed his disapproval. "I can't stand that," he said. "The interview on the golf course. Let me tell you how I think, how I feel. I mean, seriously, here's a guy who's leading the golf tournament, he's just hit the edge of the rough, he's got a very difficult shot on a very difficult hole, and you're talking to him about stuff that totally takes his mind off of what he was doing. "How would you think [Ben] Hogan would respond to that question?" TV host Terry Gannon stepped in by claiming: "Times have changed." Nicklaus replied: "You would not have any teeth left if you did. He'd hit you right in the face with it."
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
PGA Tour Winner Playfully Asks For Compensation Over $720K Text To Colleague
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Two days before the start of The Open Championship, Ryan Gerard was on American soil, hesitating whether to make the last-minute trip to Northern Ireland. Ultimately, the advice of a friend convinced him to stay and play the Barracuda Championship, where he ended up winning the title. Gerard's initial hesitation was certainly justified, as he was the second alternate for the Open. It was his friend and two-time PGA Tour winner, Ben Griffin, who persuaded him to back down with a text message that would ultimately change his life. The story was revealed by Griffin himself ahead of this week's Wyndham Championship. "I think anyone would have responded kind of the same way I did to Ryan (Gerard)," Griffin said, according to the transcripts of his pre-tournament presser, "because he sent the text to both me and my caddie, like 'Hey, I'm second alternate, should I come over there?' I mean, it was Tuesday, the answer's 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." Ben Griffin of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee on day four of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on April 27, 2025 in Avondale, Louisiana. Ben Griffin of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee on day four of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on April 27, 2025 in Avondale, is having the best season of his career, with two wins and more than $8 million in earnings so far. However, he didn't miss the opportunity of joking about being compensated for his role in Gerard's victory, even though, as he said, it was advice that anyone in his place would have given. "Just 50% of his earnings, is all," he joked, according to the transcripts. "I still haven't received anything. I've been looking on Zelle and Wells Fargo and Merrill accounts, nothing's hit yet ... I'll take the credit I guess." Griffin's analysis of his friend's advice turned out to be correct. There weren't any last-minute withdrawals before The Open Championship, so Gerard's big trip would have been for nothing. Gerard played his best golf at the Barracuda Championship, winning his first PGA Tour title. It also earned him a $720,000 paycheck, one of the largest of his career. The 25-year-old had been eying a breakthrough finish all season, adding a second-place finish and two more top-10 finishes to his victory. More Golf: Former Ryder Cup Star Storms Back Into Pro Golf, Rejects Paycheck
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Americans can snag a $600 bonus from major bank, just follow these 3 easy steps before August
Huntington bank $600 bonus offer draws attention as deadline nears- If you're looking for ways to earn free cash or boost your savings, there's good news for banking customers in select U.S. states. Huntington Bank is currently offering a limited-time cash bonus of up to $600 for new customers who open a qualifying checking account. This promotional deal has generated significant buzz among consumers searching for bank bonuses, free money offers, and financial incentives in 2025. How the Huntington bank bonus works for new checking customers? The Huntington Bank promotion offers two levels of cash bonuses depending on which checking account you open and how much money you deposit: Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others Digital Marketing MCA Others Degree Product Management Data Science MBA Management Leadership Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Operations Management Project Management Healthcare Finance healthcare Public Policy Design Thinking Data Science PGDM Data Analytics Technology CXO Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details $400 Bonus – For customers who open a Perks Checking account. $600 Bonus – For customers who choose the higher-tier Platinum Perks Checking account. Both offers come with specific conditions and timelines that must be met in order to qualify. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Fastest Way to Overcome Knee Pain and Swelling Wellnee Undo But if you're interested, you'll need to act quickly — the deadline to apply is August 15, 2025. Eligibility rules: Who can claim this free cash deal To qualify for either of the bonus offers, you must meet several important eligibility criteria: Live Events You must be a new personal checking customer. This means you cannot have had a personal checking account with Huntington in the last 12 months, and you must not have received any previous Huntington checking bonus within the past 24 months. You need to live in one of the following states where Huntington operates: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. You must apply for the bonus offer by August 15, 2025 , using the correct promotional code when opening your account. How to earn the $400 checking account bonus with perks checking? The $400 reward is tied to the Perks Checking account, which is Huntington's standard personal checking option. Here's what you need to do: Open a Perks Checking account using a valid promotional code (available on Huntington's website or promotional emails). Make at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of opening the account. Qualifying deposits include paycheck direct deposits or government benefit payments via ACH; peer-to-peer transfers or Zelle payments do not count. Keep the account open for at least 90 days . Once all requirements are fulfilled, Huntington will deposit the $400 bonus within 14 days. This offer is great for people who want a simple, entry-level account with minimal financial commitment. How to unlock the $600 bonus with platinum perks checking? For customers who can deposit more money, the Platinum Perks Checking account gives access to the maximum bonus of $600. Here's how it works: Open a Platinum Perks Checking account using a Huntington promo code before August 15, 2025 . Deposit at least $25,000 in new money (funds that are not already with Huntington) into the account within 90 days . Maintain the account for at least 90 days . After the requirements are met, you'll receive the $600 bonus within 14 days . Although this version of the offer requires a higher deposit, it's ideal for those who have savings or incoming funds they can park in a checking account temporarily. Why this offer is trending with consumers looking for financial relief? In 2025, many Americans are actively seeking ways to maximize income, earn bank sign-up bonuses, and build emergency savings without taking on more risk. This Huntington promotion stands out because: The cash bonus is substantial — up to $600 just for opening and funding a bank account. There's no monthly spending requirement to qualify for the bonus. The time frame is reasonable, with 90 days to meet the requirements . The offer is from a reputable, FDIC-insured bank with a strong regional presence. With inflation still impacting household budgets, opportunities like this provide a simple way to earn extra cash — no loans, credit checks, or product purchases required. Before you sign up, make sure you understand the terms and potential drawbacks: New money rule : For the $600 offer, funds must be 'new' to Huntington, meaning they can't be transferred from an existing Huntington account. Qualifying direct deposits : Must be made via ACH. Payments through Venmo, Cash App, or similar platforms won't count. Account closure penalty : If you close your account before the 90-day minimum, you will forfeit the bonus. Tax implications : Bonuses are considered income, so you'll receive a 1099-INT form and may owe taxes on the amount. How to sign up and claim your bonus before august 15? Here's a simple step-by-step process to follow if you want to grab this Huntington checking bonus: Visit the official Huntington Bank bonus page. Choose either Perks Checking or Platinum Perks Checking based on how much you plan to deposit. Click 'Apply Now' and enter the promo code when prompted. Fund the account with the required qualifying direct deposits or deposits of new money . Keep the account open for at least 90 days . Wait for your bonus to be deposited within 14 days after you meet the terms. What customers are saying about the Huntington bonus offer? Many online reviews from current and past Huntington customers suggest that the bonus process is straightforward if you follow all the rules. People appreciate the fast payout timeline and the clear terms listed on the Huntington website. However, some note that customer service is crucial if you have questions, especially regarding what counts as a qualifying deposit. Is this bank promotion right for you? Here's a quick decision guide: This bonus may be a great fit for you if: You live in one of the 12 eligible states. You don't currently have a Huntington account. You're able to make qualifying direct deposits or transfer at least $25,000 in new funds. You're okay with keeping your account open for at least three months. However, if you've already received a similar offer from Huntington in the past two years, or if you don't meet the deposit conditions, you won't be eligible. On the Huntington $600 free cash deal: Huntington Bank's $400 and $600 checking bonuses are among the best bank promotions in 2025 for customers who meet the requirements. It's an easy way to earn free cash by simply opening an account and funding it with deposits you may already receive. With the August 15 deadline approaching, now is the time to evaluate your eligibility and act quickly. Whether you're building an emergency fund, trying to offset inflation, or just looking for smart banking rewards, this offer provides real value with minimal risk. FAQs: Q: How can I get the $600 Huntington Bank bonus in 2025? A: Just open a Platinum Perks Checking account, deposit $25,000, and keep it for 90 days. Q: What is the last date to apply for the Huntington Bank bonus offer? A: You must apply by August 15, 2025, to qualify for the free cash bonus.
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
SoCal man used dating apps to swindle matches out of more than $2 million, feds say
A Whittier man was arrested Thursday for allegedly using dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge and Bumble to con people out of more than $2 million, according to authorities. Christopher Earl Lloyd, 39, was charged with 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from fraud, according to the U.S. attorney's office for the Central District of California. If convicted, he faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for the monetary transaction count. Between April 2021 and February 2024, authorities say Lloyd used dating apps and websites to find and contact alleged victims, lying about his financial success and knowledge in investing. Prosecutors also allege Lloyd lied about being a financial manager, the vice president of a company called Planet 13 Holdings and that he worked for an investment company called Landmark Associates. Lloyd allegedly convinced people to invest by telling them he knew of investment opportunities that could help them, according to a statement from prosecutors. He also allegedly told them they would get regular returns and could withdraw their investments at any time. Lloyd allegedly signed contracts; set up a fake schedule of investment returns; and collected money in the form of cash, wire transfers and by using CashApp and Zelle, authorities said. In May 2023, Lloyd allegedly withdrew $40,000 that someone had sent him to write a check at a Lexus dealership in Mission Viejo. Lloyd's alleged scheme cost his victims more than $2 million in losses, officials said.
