This Pro’s Ultimate Golf Choice: Comfort and Control on the Green

As a lifestyle editor, I’m constantly looking for the threads that connect the seemingly disparate worlds of professional golf and our everyday lives. Beyond the swing mechanics and the scorecards, there’s a rich tapestry of human decisions, personal values, and strategic choices that shape a player’s journey – and often, ours too. Ben Griffin’s recent move in the equipment world offers a fantastic lens through which to view these broader life lessons, particularly in how we approach our own “gear” choices, both on and off the course.

We often hear about tour pros being locked into contracts, playing a full bag from one manufacturer. It’s the standard narrative. But Ben Griffin, fresh off a banner year, is shaking things up, becoming a “gear-free agent.” What does this mean? It means freedom. It means choosing what truly works for *him*, not just what pays the most. And that, my friends, is a powerful life lesson for all of us.

The Power of Intentional Choices

Ben’s approach to his equipment isn’t about being fickle; it’s about being incredibly intentional. He’s not a “gear nerd” in the traditional sense, always chasing the latest gimmick. Instead, he’s a strategic tester, a curious explorer of what’s out there. He puts in the work to understand what genuinely improves his game, much like we should evaluate what genuinely improves our daily lives.

“I’m open more than other players to just hit products for different companies, maybe to give them feedback or whatever. So I’m just more open that way.”

This openness to testing, to exploring new options without commitment, is something we can all learn from. Whether it’s trying a new fitness routine, exploring a different recipe, or even considering a new career path, sometimes the best way to find what truly resonates is to “test for fun,” as Ben puts it. And if something is “significantly better,” embracing that change can be incredibly liberating.

For us everyday golfers, this translates to not feeling pressured to play the same brand as your friends or blindly buying the most advertised product. It’s about understanding your own game – your tendencies, your strengths, your areas for improvement – and seeking out equipment that genuinely complements *you*. Maybe that means a different kind of shaft, a different putter style, or even a different type of golf shoe that offers better support for your feet. Your golf game, like your life, is unique, and your choices should reflect that individuality.

The Unwavering Core: The Golf Ball

While Ben’s clubs might be a revolving door of testing and optimization, there’s one non-negotiable in his bag: his Maxfli golf ball. This is where the human element truly shines. It’s not just about performance; it’s about belief, alignment, and a comeback story that resonates deeply with his own journey.

“It’s the one product that I definitely believe in the most. Since I kind of got started using the Maxfli product, it’s just been like a super natural fit. It’s also been kind of a part of my brand out here on Tour. Everyone kind of refers to me as a guy who plays a Maxfli.”

This speaks volumes about authenticity. Ben isn’t just endorsing a product; he’s embodying it. He chose Maxfli not just for the money (though I’m sure it’s a nice bonus!), but because the brand’s resurgence mirrored his own. From working in the mortgage business after stepping away from pro golf to his current status as a Ryder Cup team member, his story is one of unwavering belief and a relentless drive for a comeback. Maxfli, a brand making its own reintroduction to the professional golf scene, became a natural extension of his personal narrative.

ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAY: Find Your Non-Negotiables

What is your “golf ball” in life? What are those fundamental choices or values that you absolutely believe in, that are integral to your “brand”? Just as Ben knows his Maxfli ball is “never going to change,” identifying these core beliefs and sticking to them provides a solid foundation amidst the constant flux of choices we face. It gives us a sense of grounding and purpose.

For golfers, this could mean:

• **Your golf ball choice:** Have you truly tested different brands and models to see which one performs best for *your* swing, your course, your desired feel? Don’t just play what everyone else plays.
• **Your fitness routine:** Are there core exercises or wellness practices that are non-negotiable for your physical and mental well-being, even when you’re busy?
• **Your personal style:** What are the essential pieces in your wardrobe that make you feel confident and comfortable, regardless of trends?
• **Your personal values:** What principles guide your decisions, on and off the course?

The Freedom of Flexibility (and Customization!)

By locking down his golf ball with Maxfli, Ben has created incredible flexibility for the rest of his bag. He’s not tied to an “8-, 10- or 14-club contract,” allowing him to continuously optimize his driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and putter as technology evolves and his game demands. This freedom even extended to collaborating with Maxfli to create a customized Tour X-LS golf ball, tailored to reduce spin at the top end of his bag – a true bespoke solution.

This is a powerful metaphor for prioritizing in life. By identifying and committing to what truly matters most (your “golf ball”), you free up resources – time, energy, mental space – to adapt and optimize in other areas. It’s about building a strong foundation so you can be agile and responsive to growth and change elsewhere.

Maxfli Tour X Golf Balls

Best for golfers seeking more spin and speed with a higher launch, from every club in their bag.

Your Personal “Equipment” Strategy

So, what can we take from Ben Griffin’s thoughtful approach to his golf equipment and apply to our own golf lifestyle? I believe it boils down to two key strategies:

1. **Be a curious tester, not a blind buyer:** Don’t just default to what’s popular. Experiment safely and openly with various golf products, fitness routines, nutrition plans, or even styles that might work better for you. There’s so much out there!
2. **Identify your core “golf ball”:** What are the foundational elements in your life – your values, your essential routines, your most trusted tools – that genuinely serve you and align with who you are? Invest in these, nurture them, and let them be the consistent anchor that allows you the freedom to innovate and adapt in other areas.

Ben Griffin’s success on the PGA Tour isn’t just about his powerful swing; it’s about his powerful choices. It’s a reminder that golf, at its heart, mirrors life, offering us continuous opportunities to reflect, refine, and embrace what truly makes us perform at our best, both on the green and beyond.