Which Classic Car Did Ben Griffin Win After His First Solo Victory at 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge?

Ben Griffin has finally claimed his maiden solo PGA Tour title, and he did it in absolute style at the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas. After years of hard work, close calls, and stellar performances, Griffin delivered a memorable win, finishing at 12-under-par 268, one shot ahead of German golfer Matti Schmid. But what made this win truly sweet wasn’t just the $1.71 million winner’s check—it was the restored vintage car presented to the winner, which fans were excited to see unveiled.

Yes, presenting a custom-built car is one of the unique traditions of this tournament, and the Charles Schwab Challenge has earned a special place in golf lore for its nostalgic tribute to American motoring. This year, it was a blue 1992 Schwab Defender. Restored from the ground up by Legacy Classic Trucks in Driggs, Idaho, the vehicle blends Land Rover’s legendary 4X4 DNA with modern upgrades. It’s a rugged, powerful ride, ready to tackle the toughest roads, just like Griffin. The reason why this one was chosen this year is clear: “In 1992, Charles Schwab ventured out to launch the Mutual Fund One Source. So for 2025, Schwab is honoring that pioneering spirit with this one-of-a-kind 1992 Schwab Defender 110. It goes where other trophies wouldn’t dare,” as mentioned on the tournament’s website.

Griffin also walked away with the Leonard Trophy, the classic tartan jacket, and 500 FedEx Cup points to boost his 2025 season rankings. Unveiled right on the 18th green, the Schwab Defender gleamed under the Texas sun as Griffin, wrapped in tartan and clearly emotional, climbed in for his ceremonial photos.

Social media soon lit up with fan reactions. “GIVE HIM THE KEYS,” one user shouted online, while another tweeted a cheeky warning, “No drinking and driving Ben.” The vintage flair hit home for another fan, “That’s an amazing tradition! Love seeing the classic cars.”

Explaining the origins of this now-iconic tradition, Mason Reed, managing director of retail acquisition and corporate marketing at Charles Schwab, said, “This is a tournament with incredible history, and they already had traditions to honor the champion. So it seemed a little bit wild when we initially had this idea, but what we were trying to do was create some new traditions for the winner,” Reed explained. “Now it’s just become almost a centerpiece story of the golf tournament.”

As classy as the Defender is, we have seen more stunning cars in the past.

Cars that have been awarded in the past

Last year’s winner, Davis Riley, left the 18th hole behind the wheel of a sleek, glittering 1975 Corvette Stingray. It was a head-turner, equipped with a roaring V-8 engine, a custom console engraved with the champ’s name, and interiors with hand-stitched upholstery in the event’s signature red, white, and green Scottish royal tartan plaid trim.

Looking further back, over the years, champions have driven off in some truly stunning beauties. Emiliano Grillo took home a rugged 1973 Ford Bronco in 2023. Sam Burns earned a customised 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in 2022. Jason Kokrak got a beautifully restored 75-year-old 1946 Schwab Power Wagon in 2021, and Kevin Na made a stylish exit in a muscular 1973 Dodge Challenger in 2019. No car was awarded in 2020, as the event was scaled down due to the COVID pandemic.

Ultimately, the tradition of gifting a vintage car embodies the very spirit of the Charles Schwab Challenge. While the prize money is certainly generous, it is the car that celebrates legacy, and will one day become a future collectors item!

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