16 Things You Didn't Know About Lanto Griffin

Here are some facts on the American.

Lanto Griffin Facts
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Get to know the former Houston Open champion, Lanto Griffin, a little better.

16 Things You Didn't Know About Lanto Griffin

American Lanto Griffin continues to establish himself on the PGA Tour, with his best season to date coming in 2020.

Having just qualified from the Korn Ferry Tour in 2019, Griffin managed to finish 18th in the FedEx Cup standings. This was thanks to four top 10 finishes, including victory at the Houston Open.

With Griffin becoming a regular performer on the Tour, get to know him here.

16 Things You Didn't Know About Lanto Griffin

1. Lanto Griffin was born 15th June 1988 in Mount Shasta, California.

2. Griffin's parents were both hippies, with Griffin being named after a spiritual master (Lord Lanto).

3. The American moved to Blacksburg, Virginia when he was still a toddler.

4. Griffin took up the game when he was eight-years-old, after being given a set of clubs by his father.

5. When he was 12, Griffin was offered an honorary membership at Blacksburg Country Club by head professional, Steve Prater. It came on the day that Griffin's dad had passed away due to a brain tumour.

6. His hobbies include watching baseball and cooking. Due to his upbringing, Griffin has never eaten red meat.

Related: Lanto Griffin What's In The Bag?

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7. Griffin completed his education at Virginia Commonwealth University and turned professional shortly afterwards in 2010.

8. The American's first professional event was the Hooters Winter Series. He earned $975 from the tournament, which just about covered his $950 entry fee.

9. In 2015 & 16, Griffin played on the PGA Tour LatinoAmerica, claiming one victory.

10. The American actually considered quitting the game, after racking up debt whilst competing on the minor tours.

11. Griffin's biggest payday came when he was caddying for Will Wilcox at the Greenbrier Classic. Wilcox finished fourth that week, earning a $20,000 cheque for Griffin.

12. During the COVID pandemic, Griffin and his long time girlfriend, Maya, fostered and adopted a dog called Troy.

Lanto Griffin Facts

Griffin with his girlfriend Maya after his victory at the Houston Open. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

13. Griffin had a rocky start to his PGA Tour career. Securing his card for the 2017-18 season, he finished 171st in the FedEx Cup and had to go back to the Korn Ferry Tour.

14. In 2020, the American established the Lanto Griffin Charitable Gift Trust, which assists families battling devastating or terminal illnesses who cannot afford to support their own needs. The Trust also provides support for disadvantaged youth, so they can excel in sports with a goal of receiving college scholarships.

15. Griffin earned his PGA Tour card for a second time in 2019. That season, he went on to win on his 33rd Tour start at the Houston Open.

16. The American's sponsors include Titleist, FootJoy, Dormie Network, IES and Galvin Green. Griffin uses a full bag of Titleist clubs.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x