From Loan Office Desk to Ryder Cup Glory: How Ben Griffin Became Golf’s Most Unexpected Star

ago 3 hours
From Loan Office Desk to Ryder Cup Glory: How Ben Griffin Became Golf’s Most Unexpected Star
ben griffin

Ben Griffin’s rise to the elite level of golf is one of the most unlikely comebacks in modern sports. Only a few years ago, Griffin had stepped away from competitive golf, taking a job as a mortgage loan officer in North Carolina. At that time, his dreams of making it big on the PGA Tour seemed to have faded. But in 2025, his story has taken a stunning turn. With two PGA Tour victories and multiple top-10 finishes, Griffin is now set to make his Ryder Cup debut at Bethpage Black.

The transformation is both inspirational and extraordinary. While most players climb steadily through junior circuits, collegiate tournaments, and professional tours, Griffin’s path was interrupted by a complete exit from the sport. His return showcases the power of resilience and a refusal to let go of unfinished dreams.

A Season to Remember in 2025

The 2025 season has been the defining year of Ben Griffin’s career. He recorded two major PGA Tour victories:

Tournament Result Partner (if applicable) Earnings
Zurich Classic Winner Andrew Novak $1.2M
Charles Schwab Challenge Winner Solo $1.5M+

In addition to these wins, Griffin secured top-10 finishes at both the PGA Championship (T8) and the U.S. Open (T10). His consistency across tournaments pushed him into the top 15 of the world golf rankings. Over just two weeks, Griffin earned more than $2 million, cementing his reputation as one of golf’s breakout stars of the year.

Unique Approach: The Maxfli Tour X Ball and Caddie Bond

Unlike most of his Ryder Cup teammates, Ben Griffin plays with the Maxfli Tour X golf ball, a choice that sets him apart on the course. The decision reflects his confidence in tailoring his game to his strengths rather than following trends.

Griffin’s caddie, Alex Ritthamel, has also been crucial to his success. Their strong partnership gained media attention when Ritthamel drove overnight to recover Griffin’s golf clubs after an airline mishap. This dedication highlighted the trust and teamwork that has become a cornerstone of Griffin’s resurgence.

Ryder Cup Debut: A Chance to Prove Himself

Bethpage Black is preparing to welcome one of the most exciting Ryder Cup debuts in recent memory. Ben Griffin enters the tournament as one of four rookies on Team USA, and expectations are already building. While he may not start in the opening sessions, his captain’s pick indicates the belief U.S. leadership has in his ability to swing momentum during critical matches.

For Griffin, this isn’t just about representing his country; it is also about proving he belongs on golf’s biggest stage. His journey from office desk to Ryder Cup fairways adds extra weight to every swing he takes this weekend.

The Other Side of the Name: Ben Griffin SAS

Away from golf, another individual with the same name, Ben Griffin SAS, has been known for a very different journey. Born in 1977, he served as a British Army soldier in the SAS before stepping away due to disillusionment with military operations. His decision to speak out against controversial tactics and involvement in extraordinary rendition sparked widespread debate in the UK.

After resigning from service, he went on to establish Veterans for Peace in the UK, campaigning against militarism and advocating for greater transparency and accountability in warfare. His activism has included high-profile protests, including the symbolic act of discarding his medals outside Downing Street.

Veterans for Peace and Continued Advocacy

Through Veterans for Peace, the former soldier Ben Griffin has dedicated his efforts to challenging the narratives around war, patriotism, and state responsibility. His activism has remained relevant as new allegations of misconduct involving UK special forces continue to surface. His stance serves as a reminder that the name Ben Griffin resonates in very different arenas—on one side as a rising golf star, and on the other as a voice of protest and peace.

Profiles Surrounding Ben Griffin

The world around Griffin also highlights other notable names:

  • Dana Myeroff – recognized within golfing circles for her support role in events tied to rising stars.

  • Alex Ritthamel – Griffin’s caddie and trusted partner who has been a key figure in his professional turnaround.

  • Keegan Bradley – a veteran U.S. player and potential teammate, providing leadership alongside Ryder Cup newcomers.

  • Scottie Scheffler – world number one and fellow Ryder Cup member, setting the standard for Griffin and others to match.

Together, these profiles form a network of figures connected to the ongoing journey of Ben Griffin, ensuring his story is both an individual triumph and part of a larger sporting narrative.