From Chapel Hill Prodigy to PGA Tour Contender
Discover Ben Griffin’s rise from Chapel Hill talent to PGA Tour winner. Learn about his background, playing style, wins, and future in professional golf.
🔥 Introduction
Ben Griffin isn’t your typical PGA Tour golfer. His road to success has been anything but straight—from top amateur, to walking away from the sport, to clawing his way back and winning on tour. His resilience and talent have earned him the reputation as one of the most compelling figures in modern golf.
🏌️ Profile
🎓 Background and Early Career
Born on May 6, 1996, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ben Griffin quickly established himself as a local golfing prodigy. At East Chapel Hill High School, he won two NCHSAA 4A individual state championships.
He went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he became one of the most accomplished golfers in Tar Heels history. He was a two-time honorable mention All-American, captured several individual titles, and famously shot a course-record 62 at UNC Finley in 2017.
🏌️♂️ Playing Style and Strengths
Griffin’s DataGolf profile highlights his strength in strokes gained approach and putting. He isn’t the longest hitter off the tee, but his consistency in approach play and short game keeps him in contention week after week. He thrives on precision, patience, and reading greens better than most.
According to Mizuno, Griffin’s equipment choice emphasizes feel and control, matching his strategic playing style.
🏆 GOAT Meter: Ben Griffin’s Comeback & Rise
Progress toward elite PGA Tour status:
- ✅ Winner of the 2025 Zurich Classic with Andrew Novak
- ✅ Earned PGA Tour card after stepping away from golf in 2021
- ✅ Strong stats in strokes gained and scoring consistency (DataGolf)
- 🧠 Mentally resilient with unique life perspective post-hiatus
- 🔝 OWGR Top 60 player as of May 2025
🔥 Verdict: Griffin’s trajectory is inspiring and upward — with one Tour win already secured, he’s not done writing his comeback chapter.
🏆 Current Achievements and Rankings
Griffin currently ranks inside the top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking, a notable leap considering his unconventional path.
His biggest milestone to date came in April 2025, when he claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, partnering with fellow pro Andrew Novak.
Before that, Griffin had already turned heads with strong showings including a T18 at the Houston Open and a T40 at the Valero Texas Open, proving his form was trending up.
🌍 Impact and Legacy
After turning pro in 2018, Griffin struggled to keep his Korn Ferry Tour card and stepped away from competitive golf in 2021 to work as a loan officer. But his love for the game brought him back, and he returned with renewed drive, earning back his status through Monday qualifiers and sponsor exemptions.
“Everyone’s journey is different. I stepped away from golf and came back stronger — that perspective is what keeps me grounded and hungry.”
– Ben Griffin
As CBS Sports and ESPN note, his journey resonates across the golfing world—not just for what he’s won, but for what he’s overcome.
🤝 Notable Rivalries and Relationships
Griffin isn’t known for on-course rivalries, but his professional friendships are noteworthy. His teamwork with Andrew Novak in the Zurich Classic showed his collaborative side. Off the course, he maintains strong ties to his roots in North Carolina and is seen as a humble, grounded presence in the locker room.
🔮 Future Outlook
Griffin’s comeback story has transitioned into a breakthrough phase. With one PGA Tour win under his belt and a growing sense of confidence, he’s a strong contender for future victories and possible appearances in majors and team events like the Presidents Cup.
He’ll also be one to watch at the PGA Championship and other marquee tournaments now that he has momentum.
🎯 Unique or Iconic Moments
- Zurich Classic 2025 Win: Winning in team format with Andrew Novak stands out as his emotional and professional breakthrough.
- Walking Away from Golf (2021): His temporary departure from pro golf is part of what makes his story unforgettable.
- Course Record 62 at UNC Finley: A collegiate highlight that still turns heads years later.
🥇 Top 3 Career Highlights
- Winning the 2025 Zurich Classic – A first PGA Tour title that capped off years of perseverance.
- Earning Back His PGA Tour Card in 2022 – A triumphant return after time away from the game.
- UNC Tar Heel Standout Career – Multiple wins, All-American honors, and a legacy still celebrated in Chapel Hill.
Ben Griffin’s story is about more than just birdies and trophies. It’s about second chances, discipline, and rediscovering joy in the game. With plenty of golf still ahead, he’s one of the most authentic—and dangerous—players on tour.
