Summary:
PGA Tour pro Ben Griffin experienced involuntary tremors during the BMW Championship after accidentally ingesting 15mg of solidified creatine – his typical daily dosage consumed in one concentrated dose. The World No. 17 described “feeling super shaky” mid-tournament, highlighting rarely discussed supplement risks in professional golf. His recovery to shoot 69 after nearly withdrawing underscores both physiological impacts and mental resilience under competitive pressure.
What This Means for You:
- Always consult sports dietitians before using workout supplements during competition
- Measure creatine monohydrate precisely with calibrated scoops – never eyeball doses
- Recognize early symptoms of supplement overload: tremors, tachycardia, and muscle spasms
- Monitor evolving WADA/PGA policies on performance-enhancing substances
Original Article:
American golfer Ben Griffin suffered involuntary tremors during the BMW Championship after accidentally swallowing a concentrated creatine clump. The World No. 17 typically takes 15mg daily but ingested his full dose at once when a solidified mass dissolved improperly.
“I felt like I had tremors,” Griffin told CNN Sports after carding six over par on his first three holes. His caddie stabilized him through hydration protocols, enabling a remarkable recovery to finish one-under. Creatine supplements enhance anaerobic performance but pose risks when improperly dosed.
Harvard Health notes creatine aids rapid energy production but warns against exceeding recommended doses. Griffin confirmed post-event: “I won’t be taking that amount again – it wasn’t healthy.” The incident highlights supplement education gaps in professional golf.
Additional Resources:
- Mayo Clinic Creatine Safety Guidelines – Medical dosage parameters
- PGA Tour Substance Policy – Banned substance regulations
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition Study – Creatine loading protocols
People Also Ask:
- Can creatine cause heart palpitations? Excessive doses may trigger arrhythmias in sensitive individuals.
- How do golfers use supplements legally? All PGA Tour substances must comply with WADA prohibited lists.
- What’s creatine’s half-life in humans? Plasma levels typically peak within 1-2 hours post-ingestion.
- Do PGA events conduct drug testing? Yes, through USADA’s out-of-competition testing program.
Expert Analysis:
“Griffin’s episode demonstrates how micronutrient timing impacts elite performance,” notes Dr. Elena Rodriguez, sports nutritionist for the Olympic Committee. “Athletes require pharmaceutical-grade supplements with exact dosing instruments – never bulk powders. This incident should prompt tour-wide education on NSF Certified for Sport® protocols.”
Key Terminology:
- Creatine monohydrate supplementation in golf
- PGA Tour performance-enhancing substance policies
- Anaerobic energy systems in tournament golf
- Athlete supplement loading phase protocols
- NSF Certified for Sport® certification requirements
- Exercise-induced muscle tremor mechanisms
- WADA prohibited list compliance in golf
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