PGA Tour pro makes 'fake news' claim after being denied Masters debut

PGA Tour pro Ben Griffin has responded to fake news claims published by a number of golf media outlets that he had done enough to qualify for his first Masters.

Griffin, 28, took to X / Twitter to clear up the confusion on his status - or lack of - in golf's first major of the season from 10-13 April. 

A number of golf media titles who received information from the PGA Tour during last week's Texas Children's Houston Open claimed Griffin just needed to finish T28 or better at Memorial Park GC in order make the world's top 50 and become eligible for The Masters. 

But as it turned out, that was not the case. 

In fact, it wasn't even close. 

Griffin ended up finishing T18 in the tournament, but it only bumped him up two spots from 53rd to 51st in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).

It left him 0.01 point short of the 50th spot, which is currently held by one-time PGA Tour winner Michael Kim. 

Kim has 2.0306 points, while Griffin has 2.0208. 

Griffin is therefore not exempt for a debut appearance at The Masters.

But all hope is not lost just yet and he could still play his way into the 2025 Masters field. 

Griffin will need to win this week's Valero Texas Open, which marks his 13th straight event on the PGA Tour, if he is to play in the major. 

"Thank you everyone for the kind messages after yesterday’s round," tweeted Griffin.

"Unfortunately the media was a bit misleading about a top 28 qualifying me for The Masters. 

"I played my best and moved to 51 in the OWGR, fractionally missing. 

"Off to week 13 in a row! Time to win in San Antonio."

Griffin has come close to capturing his maiden PGA Tour title in recent years. 

Many believe he won't have to wait much longer in order to join the winner's circle on the PGA Tour.

The American has only played in four majors to date but has yet to make a cut in any of them.