Ben Griffin, a rising star on the PGA Tour, has emerged as one of the few players daring enough to challenge world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in recent months. Griffin, originally from North Carolina, has made a remarkable transformation from selling mortgages just three years ago to competing at the highest level in golf today. His impressive form continues into 2025, highlighted by two tournament wins and consistent top-10 finishes.

This year, Griffin’s standout victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge was particularly notable as he finished four shots ahead of Scheffler. Though Scheffler later won the Memorial tournament, Griffin was right on his heels with a solo second place, proving he can consistently push the world No. 1 and other top competitors.

Why Griffin Avoids Taking Extended Breaks

Despite his rapid success in the first half of the season, Griffin fears losing momentum by resting. Speaking with CBS’s Patrick McDonald, he shared his belief that maintaining a busy schedule is crucial for sustaining peak performance in golf. Griffin highlighted how some players might falter after winning by deviating from their routines or taking additional time off.

“Yeah, I think, look, I play a lot and it’s for a various of different reasons, but like I think it’s been awesome to continue to play when I’ve had success because I think there’s been players maybe in the past that have success and kind of start to go deviate from their normal schedules and maybe, uh, you know, take a few more off and maybe they don’t kind of stay on the, the hot runs as long as they probably could because, because golf is kind of a game of runs,”

—Ben Griffin, PGA Tour Golfer

His ongoing commitment to frequent competition allows him to maintain the form and mental edge that has brought him success so far this season.

Maintaining a Consistent Preparation to Sustain Success

Griffin credits his consistent preparation for the ability to keep performing well and build confidence over time. Rather than easing up after a win, he sticks to the regimen that helped him reach this level, choosing to “keep the pedal down.”

“And so I feel like after you win, you can kind of stop doing some of those things and feel like you have a little more flexibility. For me, um, you know, I’m trying to do the same things I was doing leading up to this kind of stretch that I’ve been on. And so just trying to keep the pedal down and play a lot,”

—Ben Griffin, PGA Tour Golfer

He recognizes that many players may relax after success, but for him, the focus remains unwavering and the grind continues.

Ben Griffin’s Grueling Schedule and Strategic Rest

Nicknamed “Iron Man” by broadcasters, Griffin has been one of the busiest players on the Tour this season. Since his win at the Zurich Classic in late April, he has only missed two tournaments: the Myrtle Beach Classic and the RBC Canadian Open. Currently, he is competing at the John Deere Classic held at TPC Deere Run in Illinois, marking his 23rd start of the year.

While some players are prioritizing rest before The Open at Royal Portrush, Griffin plans to skip the Genesis Scottish Open and the ISCO Championship immediately prior. This decision is part of his strategy to balance practice and recovery, aiming to maintain sharpness going into one of golf’s major championships.

The Impact of Griffin’s Approach Against Top PGA Tour Competitors

Griffin’s relentless participation and mental resilience have made him a formidable competitor against Scottie Scheffler and other elite players. His approach demonstrates a passionate, determined outlook that might be the key difference between rising stars and consistent top performers on the PGA Tour.

By resisting the urge to take downtime following big wins, Griffin exemplifies how perseverance and focus can generate sustained success. His journey from a non-professional background to challenging the world’s best adds inspiration to his story as he continues competing at a high level throughout 2025.

As the season progresses, Griffin’s method will be tested further, particularly heading into major events where stamina and mental strength are critical. His rivalry with Scheffler and ongoing efforts provide golf fans with a compelling narrative about dedication and overcoming barriers within the sport.