Ben Griffin, the 29-year-old PGA Tour standout, has been turning heads this season—not just for his impressive play but also for his distinctive eyewear on the course. With six top-10 finishes this season, including victories at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Charles Schwab Challenge, Griffin has firmly established himself as one of golf’s rising stars. Yet, it’s the story behind his signature sunglasses that has recently captured attention, revealing a more serious side to the stylish accessory.
Griffin’s journey to the upper echelons of professional golf is already compelling. After initially stepping away from the sport to work as a mortgage loan officer, he found his way back to competitive golf, quickly climbing the ranks. His recent form has been exceptional, and at the 2025 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, he entered the final round just one shot behind leader Scottie Scheffler, a player known for his dominance—Scheffler has won the last eight tournaments where he held the 54-hole lead.
But the reason Griffin wears sunglasses during competition isn’t merely a fashion statement. In fact, it’s tied to a serious vision condition that could have ended his career—or worse. On Saturday night, May 31, 2025, Griffin opened up about his eye health, revealing that he suffers from "floaters," a condition characterized by black or gray spots, strings, or cobweb-like shapes drifting through one’s field of vision. These spots, which move as the eyes move, can be particularly challenging for athletes who rely heavily on precise visual input, like golfers.
Griffin first noticed the floaters about a year ago, around June 2024. Concerned, he sought medical advice and was shocked to learn that his retina was beginning to detach. "I had retinal holes, so I had to go get basically laser surgery to fill in those holes," Griffin explained. "I had eight retinal holes in both eyes, so I was at risk of losing vision maybe within five or six months had I not gotten the treatment." The gravity of this diagnosis cannot be overstated; retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
Fortunately, Griffin’s proactive approach and timely surgery preserved his eyesight, allowing him to continue competing at the highest level. However, the floaters remain, and that’s where the sunglasses come into play. Griffin wears a specific brand of eyewear called Uswing Mojing glasses—an Asian brand that’s gaining traction among professional golfers. Despite popular misconceptions, these aren’t traditional aviators but technologically designed glasses that enhance contrast and help with green reading.
"When I wear sunglasses, it’s a little bit darker out, so I don’t necessarily see the floaters as well," Griffin said. "If it’s really bright out and I’m not wearing the sunglasses, I look into the clouds or whatever and I see black stuff everywhere." The glasses not only help manage his vision condition but also improve his ability to read subtle contours and grain changes on the greens, a vital skill for putting success.
The story behind the Uswing Mojing glasses is interesting in itself. Phil Mickelson, one of golf’s legends, began wearing them after a pro-am in Macau in 2019, where he observed an amateur, Warren Fong, using the glasses to read a putt more accurately. Mickelson was convinced enough to adopt the eyewear himself, lending credibility to their effectiveness. Griffin echoes this sentiment, saying, "They say the science behind ’em kind of helps with green reading, and I think it’s 100 percent true." He appreciates the enhanced contrast and the ability to better discern grain changes, especially when the sun is bright.
Griffin’s distinctive look has sparked conversation on social media and among golf fans, with many initially poking fun at the oversized sunglasses. But understanding the health challenges behind the eyewear adds a layer of respect and admiration for the young golfer’s resilience and adaptability. "I guess I’m getting to the point where I have more and more fans and people like it, so I’m not going to stop wearing ’em, that’s for sure," Griffin remarked with a smile.
His recent performances underscore that the floaters and vision issues haven’t hindered his game. In fact, Griffin’s form has been stellar. After defeating Scheffler at the Charles Schwab Challenge just a week prior, he’s poised to challenge again at the Memorial Tournament. His ability to compete at this level despite his eye condition is a testament to his skill and mental toughness.
Looking ahead, Griffin’s story could inspire a trend on the PGA Tour. If his success continues while wearing the Uswing Mojing glasses, it’s conceivable that more players will adopt similar eyewear, blending health management with performance enhancement. For now, Griffin remains focused on the task at hand, closing in on a potentially career-defining victory while managing a condition that could have sidelined him altogether.
Ben Griffin’s sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement—they’re a symbol of perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity. As he chases down Scottie Scheffler at the Memorial Tournament, fans and fellow golfers alike will be watching closely, not just for the outcome, but for the remarkable story behind the shades.
