Ben Griffin has emerged as a beacon of resilience in the world of professional golf, as detailed in Season 4 of the Netflix docuseries, *Full Swing*. His journey, marked by significant financial struggles and personal setbacks, has culminated in a triumphant return to the sport he loves.
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At just 29, Griffin is candid about the challenges he faced in the early years of his career. After turning professional in 2018, his performance on the course did not meet expectations, leading to a difficult period where he accumulated $17,000 in credit card debt. The arduous landscape of professional golf, which operates differently from team sports, meant that Griffin bore full financial responsibility for his travel, accommodation, and caddie expenses. In those early days, he described his experience as akin to navigating a “roller coaster”, primarily due to the lack of security in an environment where one’s earnings hinge on performance.
In an interview with *PEOPLE*, Griffin elaborated on the unpredictable nature of golf, where success can turn to disappointment in an instant. “There’s nothing guaranteed in golf,” he noted, illustrating how even the most talented players can swiftly find themselves struggling. After a series of poor performances, he decided to step back from the sport in 2021, setting aside his dream of competing in prestigious tournaments like the Masters to focus on financial stability.
Griffin transitioned to a career as a loan officer at Lord, Abbett & Co., where he found more stability than on the golf course. During this time, the company’s CEO, Doug Sieg, recognised Griffin’s talent and offered to sponsor his return to the sport, covering all his expenses. Griffin appreciated this opportunity, stating, “I decided to make a comeback to golf in 2021,” attributing much of his subsequent success to Sieg’s support.
However, Griffin wanted to ensure that his return to golf wasn’t merely a financial gamble. He made it clear to Sieg that he wanted to focus solely on his game without the stress of managing finances. They agreed on waiting for the start of the next golf season to make a disciplined comeback. “I wasn’t thinking about the financial implications… I was focused on how to get to the PGA Tour,” he recalled, adopting the mindset of his younger self, aimed at improvement and competition.
His strategy paid off when he achieved his first significant victory at the Zurich Classic in April 2025, earning a hefty prize of $1,392,000. This win was pivotal in redefining his journey and bolstering his self-belief. “It was just an extremely cool reward,” Griffin explained. Following this success, he continued to impress, subsequently clinching the Charles Schwab Challenge and the World Wide Technology Championship later in the year, amassing total earnings of approximately $4.2 million for 2025.
By securing his position among the top players, Griffin earned a spot on the American team for the highly prestigious 2025 Ryder Cup. His trajectory of success seemed to prompt renewed momentum, leading to his participation in the 2026 Masters held at Augusta, a tournament he had dreamt of competing in since his childhood.
Despite not winning the tournament— which was claimed by Rory McIlroy—Griffin described the experience as “incredible.” He shared his sentiments about being part of a tournament he had long watched with admiration, embodying the culmination of years of hard work and determination. “Making it into the Masters… it’s just such a really cool experience,” he reflected, illustrating the deep fulfilment he derived from being part of such a revered event.
As he continues to build on his accomplishments, Griffin’s story serves as an inspiration for those navigating their own challenges, whether in sports or other arenas of life. *Full Swing* Season 4 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, capturing not just the thrill of golf but also the personal narratives behind the players. Griffin’s journey highlights the vital interplay of perseverance, mentorship, and passion in achieving one’s dreams.