Chapel Hill native Ben Griffin has taken an extraordinary journey to the US Ryder Cup team. Despite facing challenges along the way, Griffin’s perseverance and determination have paved the way for his inclusion in one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
Four years ago, Griffin found himself at a crossroads. Feeling burnt out and unsure about his future in golf, he returned to his hometown of Chapel Hill to work as a mortgage loan officer. However, the allure of the golf course was too strong, and he decided to give professional golf another shot. This decision proved to be pivotal in changing the course of his career.
Griffin, who played collegiate golf for the University of North Carolina from 2014 to 2018, initially stepped away from the sport in 2021 before returning to compete at Q School. By 2022, he was playing on the Korn Ferry Tour, and 2023 marked his rookie season on the PGA Tour.
His breakout year included a victory at the Zurich Open with partner Andrew Novak and a strong performance at the PGA Championship, where he finished tied for eighth. A subsequent win at the Charles Schwab Challenge solidified his rise in the golfing world and earned him a captain’s pick for the US Ryder Cup team.
Reflecting on his achievements, Griffin expressed gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to represent the United States alongside elite golfers such as Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, and Xander Schauffele, among others. Griffin credits his success to sheer determination and self-belief, qualities that his college coach Andrew DiBitetto greatly admires.
DiBitetto, who fondly remembers Griffin’s time at UNC, sees his journey as a testament to resilience and dedication. He believes that Griffin’s ability to stay focused and composed on the course has been key to his success, noting, “There’s nothing that can happen to him on the golf course that is gonna rattle him or negatively impact him.”
Griffin’s selection marks an important milestone for the Tar Heel community, as he becomes the second UNC alumnus and the first since Davis Love III to join the Ryder Cup team.
As Griffin prepares for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York, he conveys a deep sense of honor and excitement to represent something greater than himself. His remarkable story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of pursuing one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles encountered along the way.