This biography of Ben Griffin, the professional golfer, offers a comprehensive look into his life, career, and achievements, structured with SEO optimization and factual accuracy in mind. As of August 2025, Griffin has established himself as a prominent figure on the PGA Tour, known for his remarkable perseverance and recent successes.
Brief Introduction of Ben Griffin
Ben Griffin is an American professional golfer widely recognized for his compelling journey on the PGA Tour. Born on May 6, 1996, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Griffin turned professional in 2018 and has since ascended through the ranks of professional golf. He gained significant attention not only for his talent on the course but also for his brief hiatus from the sport in 2021, during which he worked as a loan officer, before making a determined return that culminated in multiple PGA Tour victories in 2025. Griffin’s story embodies resilience, inspiring many with his dedication to achieving his dream against considerable odds. He is known for his consistent play, including leading the PGA Tour in total birdies and eagles in 2024, and for his recent selection as a Ryder Cup rookie for the 2025 matches.
Ben Griffin Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Griffin |
| Date of Birth | May 6, 1996 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 29 years old |
| Birthplace | Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Hometown (Current) | St. Simons Island, Georgia, U.S. |
| Parents | Cowan and Erika Griffin |
| Partner | Dana Myeroff (fiancée as of July 2024) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Profession | Professional Golfer |
| Turned Professional | 2018 |
| College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | (See “Net Worth and Income” section for details; career winnings over $9.2 million as of Aug 2025) |
| PGA Tour Wins | 2 (as of Aug 2025) |
| Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) | 17th (as of Aug 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Ben Griffin
Benjamin “Ben” Griffin was born on May 6, 1996, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a town that played a significant role in his family’s history as his parents, Cowan and Erika Griffin, met at the University of North Carolina there. From a very young age, Griffin exhibited a natural inclination towards golf, starting to play as soon as he could walk. His early golfing experiences often involved his father caddying for him during U.S. Kids tournaments, fostering a strong bond and a foundational love for the game.
Despite his family facing economic hardship, including his parents losing their home during the 2008 recession, Griffin’s passion for golf remained steadfast. His lineage also includes a notable athletic connection: his great-grandfather, Benjamin Cowan Shields, was a professional baseball pitcher who played for esteemed Major League Baseball teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Griffin attended East Chapel Hill High School, where he quickly became a standout athlete in golf. During his high school career, he secured two North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 4A individual state championships, showcasing his budding talent and competitive spirit. He was a four-year letterman and earned four-time all-state selections for his exceptional performance. Beyond his athletic endeavors, Griffin was also an AB Honor Roll student and dedicated his time to volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House.
Following his successful high school career, Griffin continued his academic and athletic pursuits at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where his parents had met. He played college golf for the Tar Heels from 2014 to 2018, distinguishing himself by winning three collegiate tournaments and earning the prestigious title of honorable mention All-America twice, in 2015 and 2017. He competed in the U.S. Amateur championships in both 2015 and 2016, further honing his skills against top amateur talent. Griffin pursued an academic path in economics, a field he majored in during his time at UNC.
Ben Griffin’s Career
Ben Griffin officially embarked on his professional golf career in 2018, immediately after graduating from the University of North Carolina. His professional debut saw him competing on the PGA Tour Canada, where he quickly made his mark by securing his first professional title at the Staal Foundation Open in July 2018. The following year, Griffin continued to play on both the PGA Tour Canada and the Korn Ferry Tour, though with limited success in 2019. In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, he competed on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and the LocaliQ Series.
A significant turn in Ben Griffin’s career came in 2021 when he made the difficult decision to step away from professional golf for a period of four months. Feeling unable to consistently qualify for the PGA Tour or its developmental circuits, he transitioned into a new role as a loan officer for a mortgage group in North Carolina, leveraging prior experience as a property manager. This hiatus, however, proved to be a temporary detour. Driven by an enduring passion for the sport, Griffin returned to golf later that year, successfully earning his 2022 Korn Ferry Tour card through Q-school.
His return to the Korn Ferry Tour in 2022 was marked by renewed determination and notable success, including three runner-up finishes at the Astara Golf Championship, the LECOM Suncoast Classic, and the BMW Charity Pro-Am. His consistent performance led him to finish 8th on the season-long points list, thereby securing his coveted PGA Tour card for the 2023 season.
Griffin’s initial foray onto the PGA Tour in 2022 saw him make a strong impression at the Bermuda Championship, where he remarkably held the lead with only seven holes left to play. Although he ultimately finished tied for 3rd, it marked his best career finish at the time and signaled his potential. In 2023, he continued to demonstrate his capabilities, achieving a runner-up finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship, his first such result on the PGA Tour. That same year, he recorded his lowest PGA Tour round with a 61 at the RSM Classic. He finished the 2023 FedEx Cup rankings in 63rd position. The 2024 season further highlighted his talent, as he secured another runner-up finish at the RBC Canadian Open. Griffin also led the entire PGA Tour in 2024 with an impressive 479 total birdies and 19 eagles, showcasing his aggressive and effective style of play.
The 2025 season has proven to be a breakthrough year for Ben Griffin, cementing his status as a rising star in professional golf. He earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, partnering with Andrew Novak. Less than a month later, Griffin achieved his first solo PGA Tour title, triumphing at the Charles Schwab Challenge, narrowly defeating World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. His strong performances continued throughout the year, with a tied 8th-place finish at the 2025 PGA Championship and a tied 10th-place finish at the U.S. Open. As of August 2025, Griffin boasts two PGA Tour wins and nine top-10 finishes for the season. His exceptional year led to his selection as a rookie for the prestigious 2025 Ryder Cup team, where he finished 9th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, a testament to his consistent high-level play. He currently holds an Official World Golf Ranking of 17th and a Data Golf rank of 7th.
Ben Griffin Personal Life & Family
Ben Griffin’s personal life is rooted in strong family ties and a passion for outdoor activities. He is the son of Cowan and Erika Griffin, who both met at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In July 2024, Griffin proposed to his girlfriend, Dana Myeroff, in Sea Island, Georgia, and they are now engaged. Myeroff has been a constant source of support, celebrating his victories and documenting their life together on social media. The couple has been dating since April 2022. Griffin and his fiancée currently reside in St. Simons Island, Georgia.
Outside of golf, Griffin maintains an active lifestyle, often enjoying time at the lake and engaging in wakeboarding. He is known for some distinct personal habits, including not consuming coffee or soda. A keen observer of the sport, Griffin has expressed his admiration for fellow golfer Jordan Spieth, hoping to emulate his progression in the game from a young age. His sporting heroes also extend beyond golf, with Michael Jordan being his favorite Tar Heel athlete and Stephen Curry his favorite non-golfer athlete. He majored in economics during his time at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Awards and Achievements of Ben Griffin
Ben Griffin’s career, marked by both amateur distinction and professional triumph, is adorned with several significant awards and achievements:
Amateur Accolades
- 2x NCHSAA 4A Individual State Champion: Won two state championships during his high school career at East Chapel Hill High School.
- 2x Honorable Mention All-America: Recognized for his outstanding collegiate performance in 2015 and 2017 while at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- 3 Collegiate Tournament Wins: Secured three victories during his college golf career.
Professional Tour Victories
- PGA Tour Canada – Staal Foundation Open (2018): His inaugural professional title, marking his breakthrough on the PGA Tour Canada.
- PGA Tour – Zurich Classic of New Orleans (2025): Won his first PGA Tour title in a team format alongside partner Andrew Novak.
- PGA Tour – Charles Schwab Challenge (2025): Claimed his first solo PGA Tour victory, a significant milestone in his career.
Notable Distinctions and Rankings
- 2025 Ryder Cup Selection: Chosen as a rookie for the prestigious 2025 Ryder Cup team, finishing 9th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings.
- Most Birdies (479) and Eagles (19) on 2024 PGA Tour: Led the tour in both categories, highlighting his aggressive and scoring-focused play.
- Career-Best Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) of 17th: Reflects his ascent among the world’s elite golfers (as of August 2025).
- Career-Best Data Golf Ranking of 7th: Indicates his strong analytical performance relative to his peers (as of August 2025).
- Lowest PGA Tour Round of 61: Achieved during the 2023 RSM Classic.
- Ranked 2nd in Hole-Outs (2022-23 PGA Tour Season): With 27 hole-outs, demonstrating exceptional short-game prowess.
- Ranked 8th in Hole-Outs (2024 PGA Tour Season): Continued his strong performance with 24 hole-outs.
Ben Griffin Net Worth and Income
While an exact “Ben Griffin net worth” figure is not publicly disclosed, his income primarily stems from his professional golf career, including tournament winnings and endorsement deals. As of August 2025, Ben Griffin’s career earnings on the PGA Tour alone stand at an impressive $9,275,353.00, placing him among the top earners on the tour.
In addition to his prize money from tournaments, Griffin also supplements his income through various endorsement agreements. A notable example is his golf ball endorsement with Maxfli, which began in 2024. These partnerships with golf equipment manufacturers and other brands are common for professional athletes and contribute significantly to their overall earnings. Given his rising profile and recent victories, his endorsement portfolio is likely to expand, further increasing his financial standing. His consistent performance and visibility on the PGA Tour, particularly after his two victories in 2025, suggest a robust and growing income stream from both competitive play and commercial ventures.
Legacy and Influence
Ben Griffin’s journey in professional golf has already begun to shape a legacy defined by perseverance, resilience, and an inspiring comeback. His decision to step away from the sport in 2021 to work as a loan officer, only to return and achieve significant success on the PGA Tour, serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment and belief in his capabilities. This narrative of overcoming adversity resonates deeply within the golfing community and beyond, positioning him as a role model for aspiring athletes who face similar doubts or setbacks.
As an “upcoming star on the PGA Tour,” Griffin’s influence is growing. His aggressive style of play, marked by leading the tour in birdies and eagles in 2024, showcases an exciting and dynamic approach to the game that captivates fans and fellow professionals alike. His recent victories in 2025, including a team event and his first solo PGA Tour title, coupled with his selection for the 2025 Ryder Cup team, underscore his emergence as a key player in American golf. Griffin’s public image is one of a determined and passionate individual, whose honesty about his struggles and triumphs, including an unusual incident with a supplement in August 2025, adds to his relatable and authentic persona. His ability to rebound and find success after a period away from the game inspires many to pursue their dreams with tenacity, regardless of the obstacles encountered.
Interesting Facts about Ben Griffin
- MLB Ancestry: Ben Griffin’s great-grandfather, Benjamin Cowan Shields, was a professional baseball pitcher who played for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.
- Family Financial Struggles: His parents lost their family home during the 2008 recession, a personal challenge that shaped his upbringing.
- Brief Career Change: In 2021, Griffin temporarily stepped away from professional golf for four months to work as a loan officer for a mortgage group in North Carolina, demonstrating his pragmatic approach to life and career.
- Unique Beverage Preferences: He is known for not drinking coffee or soda.
- Active Lifestyle: Outside of golf, he enjoys going to the lake and wakeboarding.
- Equipment Loyalty: Griffin is one of the few professional golfers on tour who plays with Maxfli golf balls.
- Record-Setting Round: His lowest score on the PGA Tour is a remarkable 61, achieved during the final round of the 2023 RSM Classic.
- Hole-Out Specialist: He ranked second on the PGA Tour in 2022-23 for total hole-outs with 27, and eighth in 2024 with 24, highlighting his exceptional short game and ability to convert shots from off the green.
Controversies
Ben Griffin has largely maintained a positive public image throughout his professional career. However, a minor and rather unusual incident garnered media attention in August 2025 during the BMW Championship. On the final day of the tournament, Griffin experienced a “creatine overdose” due to accidentally inhaling a “snowball” of the supplement while taking a drink. This led to him feeling “super shaky” and experiencing “tremors,” significantly impacting his early play, including a four-putt on the first hole and an out-of-bounds tee shot on the second.
Griffin openly discussed the incident with the media, explaining that his caddie, Adam Ritthamel, helped him recover by having him drink a large amount of water to reset his system. Despite the challenging start, Griffin remarkably rallied, playing the remaining 15 holes in 7-under par and ultimately finishing the round at 1-under. He acknowledged that the situation was “really a weird situation” and stated he would be limiting his intake of the supplement in the future. While the incident temporarily affected his performance and may have had implications for his automatic qualification for the Ryder Cup, it was largely seen as an unfortunate accident rather than a scandal.
Social Media Presence
Ben Griffin actively engages with his fanbase across various social media platforms, providing insights into his professional and personal life. He has built a significant following, particularly on TikTok, where his account (@bengriffingolf) boasts 123.4K followers and 1.5 million likes. On this platform, he shares behind-the-scenes content, golf tips, and personal vlogs, aiming to bring fans “inside the ropes” of the PGA Tour. His fiancée, Dana Myeroff, also contributes to his social media presence, helping to edit videos and engaging with their audience.
On Instagram, Griffin has a notable presence with 53,406 followers. His posts often feature updates from tournaments, personal milestones like his engagement, and glimpses into his life outside of golf. He also maintains an account on X (formerly Twitter), where he has 4,904 followers. While the follower counts indicate a more substantial presence on visual platforms like TikTok and Instagram, his activity across these channels allows fans to stay connected with his career and personal journey, further enhancing his public profile and reach.
Final Words about Ben Griffin
As of late 2025, Ben Griffin stands as a compelling figure in professional golf, embodying the spirit of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. His current status is that of a rising star on the PGA Tour, having recently achieved two significant victories—the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Charles Schwab Challenge—which have propelled him into the upper echelons of the sport. His selection as a Ryder Cup rookie for the upcoming 2025 matches further solidifies his position as one of the most exciting talents in American golf.
Griffin’s legacy is already being shaped by his remarkable comeback story, transitioning from a loan officer back to a PGA Tour winner, a narrative that inspires many to overcome professional setbacks. His consistent performance, aggressive style of play, and genuine engagement with fans through social media contribute to a positive public image and a growing influence within the sport. Looking ahead, Ben Griffin’s future plans are undoubtedly focused on building upon his recent successes, aiming for more victories on the PGA Tour, and making a significant contribution to the U.S. Ryder Cup team. With his talent, determination, and compelling personal story, Griffin is poised to continue making a substantial impact on the world of golf for years to come.
