RYDER CUP star Ben Griffin mysteriously wore sunglasses as it was getting dark last night – but it is for a terrifying medical reason.
The Team US ace put in a sparkling round of golf on Friday afternoon but lost to Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.
Ben Griffin of the US wears sunglasses at the Ryder Cup around Bethpage Black[/caption]
Griffin played well but was on the losing side on Friday[/caption]
As the sun was setting, and dark shadows streaked across the course, the American was spotted still wearing shades.
Fans flocked to social media to question the decision.
Many were wondering if it would harm him during his round with Bryson DeChambeau.
“Ben Griffin take off those sunglasses if you don’t want to contribute the suns not even out anymore,” one X user said.
Another added: “Who’s this Griffin bloke playing golf in sunglasses then?”
A third commented: “Ben Griffin is a completely unserious golfer. Take off the damn sunglasses.”
However, SunSport can reveal the 29-year-old suffers from a serious eye condition that hinders his vision.
The golfer needs the sunglasses to protect himself from light, or have distracting black spots in his line of sight.
It is so bad it hinders him seeing pins around the course, and he was even warned over losing his sight altogether.
“It’s interesting,” explained to Golf Digest in June 2025.
“After learning a little bit more about, like, my experience, I’m a little surprised more golfers don’t (wear them).
“But, yeah, I see floaters. I have really bad vision.”
The 6ft 1inch star wore Aviator-style shades throughout his only round in the four-balls on Friday afternoon, with Europe winning 5 1/2 to 2 1/2 on day one.
Griffin used to be a mortgage loan officer before quitting to pursue his dream of being a professional golfer.
He first started wearing the sunglasses in 2024 when the issues with his eyes first started to hinder him on the course.
RYDER CUP 2025 LIVE: FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST FROM BETHPAGE BLACK
The American went straight to the doctor who told him his retina was starting to detach, and he needed urgent action.
And they looked to be doing the trick at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, New York, on Friday with an impressive 18 holes.
“I had retinal holes, so I had to go get basically laser surgery to fill in those holes,” added Griffin.
“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.
“So I still see the floaters, I had to get the surgery just to maintain my level.
“Because of that when I wear sunglasses it’s a little bit darker out, so I don’t necessarily see the floaters as well.
“So 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 sunglasses Griffin wears are understood to be Asian brand Uswing, which specialize in color contrasts.
Eye floaters are spots in your vision that may look like black or grey specks, strings or cobwebs, according to reports.
These floaters can drift about when you move your eyes and they appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly.
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup
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THE 45th Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28 with the US team desperate to wrestle back the crown from Europe.
Scottie Scheffler and the American side will battle Rory McIlroy’s European team in New York.
The infamous Bethpage Black course will be the venue for the latest edition of the pulsating golf tournament.
NBC will broadcast the competition in it’s entirety in the United States.
Friday’s foursomes and fourballs will be live on USA Network from 7 am ET to 6 pm ET.
Saturday’s action will take place during the same hours live on NBC.
And Sunday’s singles will also be on NBC from 12 pm ET to 6 pm ET.
Fans can sign up to Fubo TV by CLICKING HERE and watch the Ryder Cup through NBC’s channels.
