How did family shape Lanto Griffin’s path to PGA stardom? Lanto Griffin’s advancement in the golf industry is a result of his skill, determination, and—most importantly—his family’s unfailing support. From his earliest years in Virginia to winning his first tournament on the PGA Tour, Griffin’s family has had a significant impact on his path.

Griffin was born in Mount Shasta, California, on June 15, 1988, and relocated to Blacksburg, Virginia, where he became passionate about golf. Michael Griffin, his father, managed a health food store, while his mother worked as a gardener. Despite their meager income, Griffin’s parents supported him throughout his journey, giving him the resources and encouragement he required to follow his goals. 

He was voted the 2009 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year at Virginia Commonwealth University, where his stellar collegiate career was made possible by this strong foundation. Lanto Griffin has been playing golf professionally since 2010 and has won multiple events. In addition to his parents, Griffin also had the support of his loved ones. Let’s delve in to find out who these loved ones are!

Lanto Griffin’s affectionate adventure: Love, marriage, and parenthood

The off-course life of professional golfer Lanto Griffin has been just as exciting and happy as his playing career. In a lavish wedding held at the Dormie Club in West End, North Carolina, in September 2022, Griffin married his longtime love, Maya Brown. With subtly golf-themed accents that honored Griffin’s love of the game, the wedding skillfully combined both their professional and private lives.

The pair met on a dating app, which marked the beginning of their romance. Their partnership was built on a solid foundation of mutual support and common interests. Throughout Griffin’s golfing adventure, Maya has been a pillar of encouragement and a consistent presence in his life. On October 25, 2024, their daughter, Navy Collins Griffin, was born, expanding the Griffin family. Griffin expressed appreciation for their healthy newborn girl and pride in Maya on social media as he announced the happy news.

Griffin’s career reached a major turning point shortly after Navy’s birth when he earned his PGA Tour card in the last round of Q-School. Griffin’s embrace of his newborn daughter emphasized the poignant moment and represented the healthy coexistence of both his professional and private lives. The significant influence that a supportive family has on an athlete’s achievement is highlighted by Griffin’s journey. Taking courage and motivation from his loved ones, he continues to face the difficulties associated with professional golf with Maya and Navy by his side. However, Griffin’s parents have made many sacrifices to grant him the successful lifestyle that he enjoys now. Let’s talk about those challenging circumstances in greater detail.

The profound tale of Griffin’s significant support system

Personal tragedy and the steadfast support of a mentor who ended up acting as a surrogate parent are intricately entwined with professional golfer Lanto Griffin’s path to PGA Tour success. Griffin lost his father, Michael Griffin, to a brain tumor when he was 12 years old. In addition to shaping his personal life, this life-altering experience had a big impact on his golf career.

When young Lanto was taken from a 4-H camp in the summer of 2001 to see his father in the hospital, he learned that Michael had to surgically remove a brain tumor. Michael’s health declined over the next few months, despite early optimism that he would recover, and he passed away ten months after the operation.

To foster his son’s developing golf passion, Griffin’s father connected Lanto to Steve Prater, the head professional at Blacksburg Country Club. After Michael passed away, Prater took over as Lanto’s father figure and mentor, giving him an honorary spot in the club while offering him advice on and off the course. With Prater’s family accepting him as one of their own, Griffin and Prater’s relationship became stronger over time.

Prater’s guidance and assistance were crucial in helping Griffin go from a bereaved teenager to a PGA Tour champion. When Griffin won his first PGA Tour event in 2019 at the Houston Open, he became overwhelmed with emotion as he thought back on his late father and the people who helped shape his career.

“I bet he’d be pretty proud,” Griffin remarked, with tears in his eyes. “He got me started. He got me a set—I don’t know if I’ll be able to tell this story—but for Christmas in 1996, he got me a 5-iron, 7-iron, 9-iron, putter, 3-wood, and he got me into golf.” The tale of Lanto Griffin exemplifies perseverance and the long-lasting effects of mentoring. His story serves as a reminder that although tragedy can change a person’s course, love and support from others can result in unimaginable victories.