Ben Griffin’s Unlikely Rise in the Ryder Cup

In this year’s Ryder Cup, filled with high-profile athletes, one standout for Team USA is Ben Griffin. At just 29, he took a break from golf in 2020 to work as a loan officer. Now, he’s back and has been dubbed “Benny Booms” due to his impressive performance this year.

It’s quite the journey for Griffin, who now ranks as the world’s No. 11 golfer. He refers to this year as his breakout moment. Rather than stepping back after his initial plans of a six-month hiatus, he kept hitting the greens and performed remarkably well. In 2025 alone, he placed in the top 10 several times, just shy of leading players like Scotty Schaeffler.

While Griffin won’t kick off the opening foursome this Friday, there will be a chance for him to shine when he finally enters the match. That’s when he might draw some attention away from the bigger names on the team.

Griffin noted how his momentum built as the season progressed. “It gradually gained momentum,” he said, reflecting on his journey.

Using the Corn Ferry Tour as a springboard, he made his way to the PGA Tour in 2022. Sure, he faced challenges, feeling the distance between himself and the top players. It was essential for him to hold his own and keep climbing in tournaments.

His big moment came in 2025 when he almost qualified for the Masters in April. Later that spring, he clinched victory at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans and followed it up with success at the Charles Schwab Challenge in May. With those achievements, he earned a spot as one of the four rookies on Team USA’s twelve-member roster, handpicked by captain Keegan Bradley.

Griffin always felt he was close to breaking into signature events. He knows many friends still striving for success on the Korn Ferry Tour, while others aim to maintain their PGA Tour cards—something he himself navigated earlier this year.

This weekend will seemingly put him in the spotlight of his career, showcasing his growth among the elite golfers. The emotions tied to the Ryder Cup could elevate his game even further.

“We approach the Ryder Cup differently than other events,” Griffin shared. “The emotions run high, and that’s part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special. I’m eager to see how it all unfolds.”