Ben Griffin Reveals Creatine Overdose During BMW Championship: Inside His Experience and Effects on Performance

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Golfer Ben Griffin Experiences Shakes After Accidental Creatine Overdose

August 20, 2025

American professional golfer Ben Griffin encountered a startling situation at the BMW Championship, experiencing sudden tremors that initially baffled him. The cause? an accidental ingestion of a concentrated amount of the popular dietary supplement, creatine.

The Unexpected Reaction

World Number 17, Ben Griffin, reported feeling “super shaky” and described sensations akin to tremors during his Sunday round. He attributed this strange episode to inadvertently swallowing a substantial,compacted mass of creatine powder.

According to Griffin, the incident occurred while preparing his usual creatine supplement. A large, solidified chunk had formed at the bottom of the container.Attempting to dissolve it in water proved ineffective, leading him to mistakenly consume the undissolved mass.

understanding Creatine and its Effects

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that plays a vital role in energy production within the body. Harvard Health explains that it enhances power output during short bursts of intense activity and aids in muscle recovery. It is widely utilized by athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

According to a recent report by Grand View Research, the global creatine market was valued at USD 328.29 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 635.99 million by 2030, demonstrating its growing popularity and accessibility.

The On-Course Struggle and Remarkable Recovery

Griffin estimates he ingested approximately 15mg of creatine in a single dose, a considerably higher amount than his typical daily intake. This unexpected surge led to a rough start to his round, with three consecutive bogeys – a triple-bogey, a double-bogey, and a bogey – leaving him contemplating withdrawal from the tournament.

Fortunately,the adverse effects began to subside,and Griffin rallied with an impressive comeback. He carded seven birdies, ultimately finishing at one-under par and securing a tie for 12th place.

Lessons Learned and Future Precautions

despite the initial scare, Griffin remained in good spirits, attributing the incident to a “pretty crazy story.” He confirmed his caddie’s assistance in calming

What specific symptoms did Ben Griffin experience that led to his withdrawal from the BMW Championship?

The Incident at the BMW Championship

During the recent BMW Championship, professional golfer Ben Griffin experienced a concerning health issue on the course, later revealed to be a important creatine overdose. Griffin, visibly distressed, required medical attention and withdrew from the tournament. He openly discussed the incident, attributing it to a miscalculation while attempting to load creatine monohydrate – a common supplement used to enhance athletic performance. This event has sparked a crucial conversation about supplement safety, proper dosage, and the potential risks associated with even seemingly harmless performance enhancers.

Understanding Creatine and Its Uses

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found in muscle cells.Supplementing with creatine aims to increase phosphocreatine stores, leading to improved power output during high-intensity exercise. it’s widely used in sports requiring bursts of energy, such as weightlifting, sprinting, and, increasingly, golf.

Here’s a breakdown of common creatine uses:

Increased Muscle Strength & Power: the primary benefit, aiding in explosive movements.

Enhanced Muscle Endurance: Allows for more reps or longer durations of high-intensity activity.

Improved Recovery: May reduce muscle damage and inflammation post-exercise.

Cognitive Benefits: Emerging research suggests potential benefits for brain function.

Though, even with its benefits, creatine supplementation requires careful consideration.

What Happened to Ben Griffin? A Detailed Account

Griffin explained he was attempting a creatine loading phase, a strategy to rapidly saturate muscles with creatine. He mistakenly consumed a significantly larger dose than intended, leading to severe dehydration, cramping, and gastrointestinal distress. He reported feeling “incredibly sick” and unable to continue playing. Medical personnel administered IV fluids to rehydrate him and stabilize his condition.

The exact dosage Griffin consumed hasn’t been publicly disclosed, but he emphasized the importance of precise measurement and adherence to recommended guidelines. This incident highlights the dangers of self-experimentation with sports supplements and the need for professional guidance.

Symptoms of Creatine Overdose: Recognizing the Warning signs

While a fatal creatine overdose is extremely rare, consuming excessive amounts can lead to a range of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms. Recognizing these signs is crucial for prompt intervention.

Severe Dehydration: Creatine draws water into muscle cells, potentially leading to dehydration if fluid intake isn’t increased.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps are common.

Muscle Cramping: Electrolyte imbalances exacerbated by dehydration can cause painful muscle cramps.

Kidney Strain: While generally safe for healthy individuals, high doses of creatine may put a strain on the kidneys. (Individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should avoid creatine supplementation.)

Electrolyte Imbalance: Disruptions in sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels.

If you suspect a creatine overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

Dosage Guidelines and Safe Supplementation Practices

To avoid a similar situation, adhering to established creatine dosage guidelines is paramount. Here’s a breakdown:

Loading Phase (Optional): 20 grams per day for 5-7 days, divided into 4-5 doses. (Griffin was attempting this phase.)

Maintenance Phase: 3-5 grams per day.

Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water throughout the day – at least 8 glasses – when supplementing with creatine.

Choose Reputable Brands: Opt for creatine monohydrate from trusted manufacturers that undergo third-party testing for purity and quality. (Myprotein is one example, as noted in recent reports.)

Consult a Healthcare Professional: Especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications, or are unsure about appropriate dosage.

The Impact on Performance: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects

Griffin’s experience demonstrates the immediate negative impact of a creatine overdose on athletic performance. Dehydration, cramping, and gastrointestinal distress severely compromised his ability to compete.

However, even with proper supplementation, it’s vital to understand the nuances of creatine’s effect on performance.

Short-Term: Improved power output and reduced fatigue during high-intensity activities.

Long-Term: Potential for increased muscle mass and strength gains with consistent training and supplementation.

It’s crucial to remember that creatine is not a magic bullet. It works best when combined with a well-structured training program and a balanced diet.

Creatine and Kidney Health: Addressing Common Concerns

A frequent concern surrounding creatine supplementation is its potential impact on kidney health. While studies have generally shown creatine to be safe for individuals with healthy kidneys,those with pre-existing kidney conditions should exercise extreme caution and consult with a doctor before use.

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