Ben Griffin’s Comeback Story Gathers Steam with Opening-Round Lead at The Memorial

Just a few years ago, Ben Griffin had packed up his golf clubs and stepped away from the game altogether. Fast forward to today, and he's the leader at one of the PGA Tour’s most prestigious events. Griffin carded a seven-under-par 65 at Muirfield Village on Thursday to take a two-shot lead after the opening round of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio — a performance that not only continues his hot streak but also underscores a remarkable personal and professional resurgence.

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A Career Reignited

Griffin’s 2025 season is quickly becoming one of the most compelling narratives on tour. The 29-year-old North Carolina native, fresh off his victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge just last week and a team win at the Zurich Classic in April, is now vying for back-to-back solo titles. His FedExCup ranking has surged to No. 5 — a testament to how far he’s come since walking away from the game in 2021.

At that time, burnout and financial strain forced Griffin to leave professional golf and take up a job as a licensed mortgage broker in his hometown of Chapel Hill. The love for the sport had faded.

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“I was so burnt out on golf,” he told PGATour.com. “I didn't have the love for the game.”

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But a friend’s offer to sponsor him reignited his competitive fire. A standout 65 in a 2022 Monday qualifier on the Korn Ferry Tour put him back on the map, eventually earning him a full PGA Tour card and — now — multiple tour victories.

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Commanding Form at Muirfield

Griffin’s opening round at Muirfield Village was a masterclass in resilience and aggressive play. Starting strong, he birdied the first hole and followed that up with birdies on the fourth and eighth holes. His eagle on the par-5 7th — the result of a towering 260-yard approach and a confident 12-foot putt — was the highlight of the front nine, which he closed out at five under.

Though he faltered briefly on the back nine with bogeys at the 11th and 12th — both after finding water — Griffin showed the mental toughness that has come to define his comeback. He rebounded in style, closing with three consecutive birdies on holes 14, 16, and 17.

“A couple of water balls,” he said with a smile after the round. “I really need to go to the range and clean that stuff up. But no — it was an incredible day. I was kind of building on what I was doing last week: making a ton of birdies and staying aggressive.”

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A Field Full of Talent

Griffin leads a tightly packed leaderboard that includes two-time major champion Collin Morikawa, who shot a solid five-under 67. Morikawa, still searching for his first PGA Tour victory on U.S. soil since 2021, remains confident. “Even when things don’t feel perfect… just got to trust that I can get it done,” he said.

Max Homa sits three shots back, while Shane Lowry, Nick Taylor, and Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley are among a group at three under.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some of the tour’s veteran stars struggled. Adam Scott carded a disappointing 79, dragged down by a triple-bogey on the third hole, while Justin Rose shot 78, hampered by his own triple on the par-3 12th. South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout finished with a two-over 74.

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Why Griffin’s Story Resonates

What sets Griffin apart isn't just his recent victories — it’s the context behind them. Few players on tour have faced such an abrupt derailment of their careers and returned to reach higher levels. His transition from office desk to tournament leader is a testament to perseverance and self-belief.

In a sport often dominated by those who never left the game, Griffin’s story is a refreshing reminder that the road to success doesn’t always follow a straight path. His appreciation for the moment is palpable: “I’m extremely grateful and blessed,” he said. “Not many people necessarily have those opportunities… I’ve done the right things to take advantage of them.”

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What’s Next?

The Memorial Tournament, hosted by Jack Nicklaus, is known for its tough conditions and major-like setup. Griffin's early lead is significant, but with names like Morikawa and Homa in pursuit — and three rounds to go — it’s far from over.

Yet if Griffin continues to blend bold play with mental poise, he may soon be lifting a third trophy in less than two months. And for a man who once walked away from the game, that would be the kind of story golf fans never tire of hearing.