
Introduction
At 29, Ben Griffin stands out as one of professional golf’s most compelling stories. After a brief hiatus from the sport, the University of North Carolina alum is now surging up the ranks of the PGA Tour, earning powerful wins, and vying for a spot on the Ryder Cup team. In this article, we’ll delve deep into Griffin’s background, achievements, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Ryder Cup prospects, financial status, and key performance stats.
1. College & Early Life
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Hometown & Upbringing: Born May 6, 1996, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ben Griffin was raised in a family with deep ties to both academia and sport.
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College Career: Griffin attended the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (UNC) from 2014 to 2018, playing for the Tar Heels men’s golf team. He earned Honorable Mention All-American honors twice, and won multiple collegiate tournaments.
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Gap & Return to Golf: Financial strain led him to briefly leave the sport in 2020–2021, taking a job as a mortgage loan officer. A powerful golf-related moment reignited his passion and propelled him back to the professional circuit.
2. Age & Physical Profile
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Birthdate & Age: Born May 6, 1996, Ben Griffin is 29 as of mid-2025.
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Physical Stats: He stands 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) tall and weighs approximately 185 lbs (84 kg). Ben Griffin golfer profile.
3. Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR)
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Current Ranking: As of his recent breakout year, Griffin sits around 17th in the OWGR.
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Career-High Ranking: Earlier in 2025, he achieved career-best positions, previously reaching 24th.
4. Wiki & Professional Journey
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Early Career & Turned Pro: Griffin turned professional in 2018, initially competing on PGA Tour Canada and Latinoamérica. He won the Staal Foundation Open in 2018.
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Korn Ferry Tour Success: In 2022, he finished 8th in the regular-season standings on Korn Ferry Tour, earning PGA Tour status.
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PGA Tour Breakthroughs:
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Runner-up at 2023 Sanderson Farms Championship and 2024 RBC Canadian Open.
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In 2025, he won twice: the Zurich Classic (team event with Andrew Novak) and solo victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge, edging out World No. 1.
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5. Ryder Cup Prospects
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Current Positioning: As of August 2025, Griffin is ranked 9th in Ryder Cup points and is vying for automatic qualification.
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Team Announcement: U.S. captain Keegan Bradley included Griffin among six captain’s picks for the 2025 Ryder Cup.
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Comeback Story: Griffin’s Return from a mortgage job to Ryder Cup contender makes for one of golf’s most inspiring narratives. Ben Griffin golfer profile.
6. Net Worth & Earnings
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Estimated Net Worth: Most sources in early 2025 estimate Griffin’s net worth at around $6 million, based on prize money and sponsorships.
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Alternate Estimates: Some outlets that include his 2025 victories estimate net worth closer to $7 million.
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Career Earnings:
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By early 2025: approximately $8.26 million.
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Another source cites ~$13.3 million, if including recent prize money from wins.
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2025 Winning Amounts: In just the first five months of 2025, he pulled in over $4.9 million.
7. Performance & Stats
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Major Results: T8 at the 2025 PGA Championship and strong showings in the U.S. Open and other majors.
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Statistical Highlights:
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In 2024, he led the PGA Tour in birdies and eagles.
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He bounced back strongly after a four-month hiatus in 2021.
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8. Summary Table
Category | Key Details |
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College | UNC Chapel Hill; two-time All-American HM |
Age | 29 (Born May 6, 1996) |
OWGR | Around 17th (career high ~24th) |
Pro Journey | Turned pro 2018; 2022 KFT → PGA Tour card; two wins in 2025 |
Ryder Cup | Captain’s pick for 2025 U.S. team |
Net Worth | ~$6M–$7M, career earnings $8M–$13M+ depending on source |
Stats | Leading birdies/eagles in 2024, T8 at PGA Champ 2025 |
9. FAQs
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How old is Ben Griffin?
He was born on May 6, 1996, making him 29 years old in mid-2025. -
Where did he go to college?
Griffin played collegiate golf at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, earning All-American Honorable Mentions twice. -
What is his current Official World Golf Ranking?
He is currently ranked around 17th in the world. -
Has he won on the PGA Tour?
Yes—he won the 2025 Zurich Classic (team event) and the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge (solo victory). -
Is he on the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team?
Yes—he was named as one of Keegan Bradley’s six captain’s picks. -
What is his estimated net worth?
Estimates are ~$6 million, with some sources suggesting up to ~$7 million after his 2025 wins. -
What are his key stats or strengths?
Griffin led the tour in birdies and eagles during the 2024 season and has compiled multiple top-10 finishes in majors including a T8 at the 2025 PGA Championship. Ben Griffin golfer profile.
Conclusion
Ben Griffin’s story is truly the epitome of resilience, determination, and dramatic transformation. From stepping away from golf during uncertain times to clinching victories and earning his Ryder Cup berth, he’s captured the attention and admiration of the golf world. With his ranking surging and form peaking, Griffin’s career is not just ascending—it’s igniting.
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