Who Is Lanto Griffin? Explore the Inspiring ‘Rags to Riches’ Story of the 35-Year-Old PGA Tour Pro

Golf is a game that witnesses the rise of a new face, occasionally, and goes on to leave a mark in history. Such an individual does so by putting in their own hard work and determination in order to make good in the field. And currently, we see the American golfer Lanto Griffin showcase his effort in making their way up the golfing ranks.

The professional has pulled off an amazing performance at the Shriners Children’s Open, causing many heads to turn to him as he made easy work of the course at TPC Summerlin. Moreover, he boasts a total of 5 professional wins including a PGA Tour victory at the 2019 Houston Open, along with 2 Korn Ferry Tour wins. Even so, many who are watching him might be unable to recognize him on the course. But his story is something that needs to be heard by all!

Meet Lanto Griffin, the 35-year-old American golfer

Not a lot of information has been disclosed about Griffin’s parents except for his father. He was born to Michael Griffin who owned a health-food store and his mother, who was a gardener, on 15th June 1988 in Mount Shasta, California. The family moved to Blacksburg, Virginia when he was still a toddler.

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The golfer was introduced to the sport at a young age, leading him to receive his first set of clubs when he was 8 years old. None in his family played golf. However, with his love for the game, he used to visit the city municipal which was less than a mile from the young athlete’s house, where $9 gained him access to the sport he cherished.

However, the youngster found himself in a tough spot in the next few years as his father was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The golfer’s dad saw his own health spiral down as he underwent surgery when Lanto was 12 years old after which the family slowly watched him stripped of his independence.

But that did not stop him from taking the young talent to see Steve Prater, the head pro at Blacksburg Country Club, for a lesson when he was able to. He went ahead to take Griffin under his wing. And, not long after, as fate would have it, the athlete was awarded an honorary membership to the Club on the same day his father passed away.

The ‘Broke to PGA Tour’ story of Griffin

After turning pro in 2010, Griffin’s first pro event was on the Hooters Winter Series, where he won $975 after shooting 71-66-75 over the three days. The golfer was paired with Will Wilcox who would later on become one of his friends and go on to get the Tour card earlier than him.

The athlete played a few seasons in South America which he termed as fun. However, he probably didn’t want to reminisce about it as the golfer had $30,000 on credit cards, with his mother covering his health insurance. At one point in his life, the biggest check he ever received was when he carried the bags for Wilcox and he made $17,000.

The professional was only able to make around $4,800 through 10 events in 2017 and was on the verge of quitting. However, a talk with the sports psychologist, Dr. Greg Cartin, changed his life as he went ahead to shoot 65 to make it out of the US Open Local Qualifying soon after. Griffin then went ahead to qualify for the Nashville Open which he won.

His victory at the Open placed him at 22nd on the Korn Ferry Tour winning him $99,000 and a card into the PGA Tour in 2018. He followed the same with another win on the Web.com Tour at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Championship and a victory in the PGA Tour event, Houston Open, scoring 14-under 274- both in 2019.

The current situation of pro golfer Griffin

The PGA Tour professional now has his own place in Ponte Vedra Beach where he stays with his girlfriend Maya Elizabeth Brown. And now, he is able to play at TPC Sawgrass whenever he wants all the while being able to afford to fly his mother to wherever he is playing.

Moreover, he has earned the likes of Titleist, FootJoy, Dormie Network, IES, and Galvin Green as his sponsors over the years.

The professional also established the Lanto Griffin Charitable Gift Trust, which aims to help families who are battling dreaded illnesses along with providing support for youths who are disadvantaged. Well, his story is a truly inspiring one, no doubt!

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