CHURCHVILLE, N.Y. (FLX) — The second annual Commissioner’s Cup delivered everything FLX Tour players and fans could ask for — intensity, drama, and a putt on 18 that nearly changed it all.

In the end, it was Team Matt who emerged victorious once again, edging out Team Shane in a tight 3–2 finish during Saturday morning’s showdown at Churchville Golf Course. The win improves Matt’s all-time Commissioner’s Cup record to 2–0 over his twin brother and fellow co-commissioner.

“Happy with the win; I think Shane did a much better job with drafting a team this year, and things we’re a lot closer,” the winning captain said. “My guys showed up to play and I’m really proud of all of them.”

The winning team was led by Danny Driffill’s who posted a clutch +7 on the round as he and partner Tim Dorsheimer scored a point over Team Shane’s Tom Dieure and Dan Driffill Sr.

Another point for Team Matt came from the duo that took home the title at the 2023 Genesee Invitational, Sean Sawyer and Patrick Moynihan. Sawyer, the reigning Young Man of the Year, provided consitency and skill, while P threw in some sick pars on the back 9, rolling Team Shane’s Brendan ‘Kiwi’ Milward and Brandon Moyhihan 4&2 in the process.

To note, P-Moyns successfully hit a double skipper across the pond on par 5 14. Also to note: This cool shot came after he sent one in the drink. Also to note in this grou: B cut his hair. Wild stuff.

While we’re on the subject of observations, shoutout to Nathan Wirth who showed up to play the west course solo at 7:30 a.m. Loyalty.

The final standings saw Team Matt take three matches to Team Shane’s two, but it nearly swung the other way.

As they were the first group to tee off, they couldn’t have known it at the time, but with the match’s final result hanging in the balance, Shane Driffill stood over a must-mike miracle putt on 18 that would’ve flipped the script and forced a tie.

But in cruel fashion, the ball at the end of a perfectly rolled 40-foot putt, downhill from the fringe, caught the bare edge of the cup and lipped out — ultimately sealing back-to-back titles for Team Matt.

“It’s a tough one to swallow, but that’s golf. We’ll be back,” Shane said.

“Did you tell them about the merch?” FLX Tour Head of Content and Rules Czar Joey Mortilarro said. “The hats, pickup, let em know, alright?”

Although the winning team was in sleek black polos, and the losing weiners in their hot dog cart uniforms — the singular fashion accessory of choice for this day was the smiling face of a nice young man. It was finally some good weather, and a kickoff to competitive golf season for the FLX Tour.

Sources clouse to headquarters say they expect a shake-up for the 2026 Commissioner’s Cup, including moving the event away from the munis; potentially changing the format, and the eligibility. Currently all Tour pros who are available and interested are able to enter the draft pool for the event, but if the leaky faucet inside HQ is an indicator, next year’s event eligibility will be based on previous year’s YMOTY ranking, and available on the date of play. To be determined on that front!

All in all, a magical, special time — we even had people come to the champions luncheon this time at Jeremiah! Special. And we’re doing it again in three weeks!

The 2025 Grand Open is Saturday, May 31 at Durand Eastman Golf Courses. Sources say the field — the largest in FLX Tour history — is expected to be released later this week.

Scores and results

Team Matt

Matt Driffill, Chris Miers, Sean Sawyer, Danny Driffill, Tim Dorsheimer, Chad Christ, Ryan Netchke, Patrick Moynihan, Boston Siwiec, Dan Riesenberger, Evan Santiago (alt)

Team Shane

Shane Driffill, Joey Mortillaro. Dom Trento, Tom Deuire, Brendan Millward, Mykola Prokopenko, Chuck Pace (Brockport University), Brandon Moynihan, Dan Driffill Sr, Mike Mortillaro, Sweet Englert