News Summary
PGA TOUR professional Ben Griffin will debut the Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball at the WM Phoenix Open. This innovative ball, a lower-spinning version of the existing model, marks the first time the specific ball will be in play during a PGA TOUR event. The announcement coincides with the extension of Griffin’s partnership with Maxfli through 2028, highlighting his continuing role as a key ambassador for the brand in professional golf.
Scottsdale
PGA TOUR professional Ben Griffin is set to debut the new Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball this week at the WM Phoenix Open, marking the first time this specific ball will be in play during a PGA TOUR event. The announcement comes as Griffin and Maxfli confirm an extension of their partnership through 2028, reinforcing their collaboration on the professional golf circuit.
A New Era for Maxfli on Tour
Griffin’s decision to put the Maxfli Tour X-LS into play at such a prominent event highlights the confidence both he and the brand have in its performance. This new model is designed as a lower-spinning version of the existing Maxfli Tour X and features a redesigned core and mantle layers to achieve its performance characteristics.
The extended partnership through 2028 solidifies Griffin’s role as a key ambassador for Maxfli. His association with the brand, which began in 2024, has seen him exclusively playing Maxfli golf balls and displaying the brand’s logo on his hat and golf bag.
WM Phoenix Open: A Unique Stage
The WM Phoenix Open provides a high-profile platform for the debut of the new Maxfli ball. Held annually at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona, the tournament is renowned for its lively atmosphere and massive crowds. Often called “The People’s Open” and “The Greatest Show on Grass,” it consistently attracts upwards of 600,000 to over 700,000 fans, making it one of the best-attended golf tournaments globally. Beyond its enthusiastic spectators, the event is also celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, holding the distinction of being the world’s largest zero-waste event.
The 2026 tournament week runs from February 2 to February 8, with the main 72-hole PGA TOUR competition scheduled from Thursday, February 5, to Sunday, February 8. Since its inception in 1932, the event has a rich history, being the fifth oldest tournament on the PGA TOUR. Over its history, the WM Phoenix Open, through the efforts of The Thunderbirds and Thunderbirds Charities, has contributed significantly to local communities, raising more than $226 million for Arizona non-profit organizations.
Griffin’s Journey and Maxfli’s Resurgence
Ben Griffin, currently ranked 9th in the Official World Golf rankings as of February 1, 2026, has had a remarkable ascent in professional golf. His 2025 season was particularly successful, marked by three PGA TOUR victories and a notable selection as a captain’s pick for the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
His success with Maxfli golf balls has been instrumental in the brand’s recent resurgence on the PGA TOUR. Griffin utilized the Maxfli Tour X ball for all three of his 2025 wins, achieving Maxfli’s first PGA TOUR victory since 2003. This performance brought renewed attention to the brand, which is a house brand for DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy. Griffin initially explored Maxfli golf balls after observing fellow professional Lexi Thompson using them.
Griffin’s journey to the top tier of professional golf is particularly inspiring, as he had briefly stepped away from the sport in 2021 to work as a mortgage loan officer. His return to golf has since seen him reach significant career milestones, including strong performances in major championships like the 2025 PGA Championship (T8) and the 2025 U.S. Open (T10).
The new Maxfli Tour X-LS ball is anticipated to be available for purchase in limited quantities at DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy starting in the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which PGA TOUR event will feature the debut of the new Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball?
A: The new Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball will debut at the WM Phoenix Open.
Q: Who is the first PGA TOUR professional to play the Maxfli Tour X-LS ball in competition?
A: Ben Griffin is the first PGA TOUR professional to play the Maxfli Tour X-LS ball in competition.
Q: Through what year has Ben Griffin extended his partnership with Maxfli?
A: Ben Griffin has extended his partnership with Maxfli through 2028.
Q: What are the key features of the Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball?
A: The Maxfli Tour X-LS golf ball is a lower-spinning version of the Maxfli Tour X and features a redesigned core and mantle layers.
Q: When and where is the WM Phoenix Open held?
A: The WM Phoenix Open tournament week is held from February 2 to February 8, 2026, with the 72-hole PGA TOUR event running from Thursday, February 5, to Sunday, February 8, at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Q: How many PGA TOUR victories did Ben Griffin achieve in 2025?
A: Ben Griffin achieved three PGA TOUR victories in 2025.
Q: What is the Maxfli Tour X-LS ball’s retail availability?
A: The Maxfli Tour X-LS ball will be available in limited quantities at DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy starting in the summer.
Key Features of the Maxfli Tour X-LS Golf Ball
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Type | Lower-spinning version of the Maxfli Tour X. |
| Construction | Features a redesigned core and mantle layers. |
| PGA TOUR Debut | First played by Ben Griffin at the WM Phoenix Open. |
| Retail Availability | Limited quantities available at DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy in summer. |
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