Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, and I’ve just been reflecting on a truly inspiring story from the Procore Championship in Napa, one that resonated deeply with me as a golf instructor and, frankly, as a human being. While Scottie Scheffler did what he does best, the real magic came from the performance of 37-year-old Lanto Griffin. His third-place finish wasn’t just about prize money; it was about survival, grit, and a powerful lesson in embracing change.
Lanto’s journey back to form, culminating in shooting a 65 on Sunday with six birdies in the first eight holes and a ridiculous 35-foot chip-in on 16, offers invaluable insights for every golfer, whether you’re battling for a tour card or simply trying to break 90. It’s a testament to what happens when you truly commit to improvement, even when it means tearing everything down to rebuild.
The Courage to Reset
Lanto’s story begins with a ruptured disc in his lower back in May 2020. As he managed the pain for two years before surgery in July 2022, he tried to push through. He even won Q-School to earn his 2025 tour card, which should have been a high point. But then came the struggle: four missed cuts in six starts. The breaking point arrived in April when his body simply gave out.
“My body completely locked up,” he said. “I was 4-5 miles an hour slow.”
This is where Lanto’s story becomes a powerful lesson for all of us. He didn’t keep trying the same things and expecting different results. He made a courageous decision to admit that his approach wasn’t working. He called his old coach, Todd Anderson, and fitness guru Alex Bennett, essentially starting over from scratch.
“Sometimes when you work hard and work on the wrong stuff you get worse,” Griffin explained.
Think about that for a moment. How many of us, both pros and amateurs, cling to bad habits because change is uncomfortable or because our ego tells us we’re “too good” to go back to basics? Lanto swallowed his pride, tore everything down, and rebuilt. This commitment to honest self-assessment and fundamental change is something I emphasize with all my students.
Rebuilding Your Swing: Fundamentals First
Lanto’s path back involved returning to the fundamentals of the swing with Coach Anderson. When your body has been compromised, you can’t rely on old compensations. You need a solid foundation.
For many high-level amateurs and professionals, I’ve seen how easy it is to chase fleeting feels or quick fixes. But just like building a house, if the foundation isn’t sound, the whole structure is unstable. Let’s look at how you can apply this principle to your own game:
Drill 1: The “Half-Swing, Hold the Finish” Drill
This drill is fantastic for reconnecting with your basic swing mechanics and ensuring stability. Grab a mid-iron (7 or 8 iron).
- Set up as usual, focusing on good posture and balance.
- Make a swing that goes back to about a shoulder-high position, then through to a shoulder-high finish. Don’t worry about power.
- Crucially, hold your finish position for a full three seconds. Your weight should be predominantly on your front foot, your belt buckle pointing at the target, and your back heel lifted.
**Why it works:** This drill forces you to find balance throughout your swing and ensures you’re clearing your hips and transferring weight properly. If you can’t hold your finish, it’s a clear sign you’re off-balance or not rotating effectively.
Prioritizing Your Body: Fitness on the Course
Beyond the swing, Lanto also hit the gym again with Alex Bennett, something he’d avoided after surgery. He reported, “My body feels way less pain, complete night and day difference.” This isn’t just for tour pros; it’s vital for every golfer.
I tell my students all the time: your golf swing is only as good as the body producing it. If your body is weak or in pain, your swing will suffer. You don’t need to become a bodybuilder, but focused efforts on core strength, flexibility, and stability can dramatically improve your game and prevent injury.
Drill 2: The “Medicine Ball Rotation”
This drill helps build the rotational power and core stability vital for your golf swing. You’ll need a light medicine ball (4-8 lbs).
- Stand in your golf posture, holding the medicine ball at chest height.
- Slowly rotate your torso as if making a backswing, keeping your hips relatively stable but allowing some turn.
- Then, rotate through to your follow-through position, mimicking the weight transfer and hip rotation of a golf swing.
- Repeat 10-15 times on each side, focusing on controlled, smooth movements rather than speed.
**Why it works:** This exercise strengthens your oblique muscles and core, which are the engine of your golf swing, and improves your ability to separate your upper and lower body for more efficient power.
Practice Smarter, Not Just Harder
Lanto’s admission that he was “working hard on the wrong stuff” is a familiar refrain. How many hours have you spent on the range, only to feel like you’re not getting better? Practice doesn’t make perfect; thoughtful, purposeful practice makes permanent.
Drill 3: The “Target Practice with Purpose” Drill
Instead of just hitting ball after ball, incorporate specific targets and intentions into your range sessions.
- Pick a specific target for every shot – not just “the green,” but “the left edge of the green” or “the specific flagstick.”
- Alternate clubs frequently. Hit a driver, then a wedge, then a 7-iron. This simulates course conditions and prevents grooving only one swing.
- For every shot, envision the entire process: pre-shot routine, a specific flight shape (draw or fade if you’re working on them), and a target. Evaluate the outcome honestly.
**Why it works:** This drill turns your range session into a more game-like experience, improving your focus, shot shaping, and ability to execute under pressure. It’s about quality repetitions over quantity.
The Mental Game: Vulnerability as Strength
Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons from Lanto was his emotional display. He broke down crying during his post-round interview, a moment that resonated with so many.
“Obviously, you want to win, but keeping your job…Playing good golf is so much fun, and playing bad golf is pretty brutal on your psyche.”
This raw honesty showed that mental toughness isn’t about being stoic; it’s about acknowledging your struggles and finding the strength to push through them. For us amateur golfers, while the stakes aren’t a tour card, the mental battle is just as real. Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re struggling, to seek help, or to simply honor the emotional journey this game takes us on.
Lanto’s third-place finish propelled him to exactly 100th in the FedEx Cup points, right on the number for full status next year. It’s a powerful reminder that breakthroughs are possible, even when everything seems hopeless. So, the next time you’re feeling frustrated on the course, remember Lanto Griffin. Chances are, you’re still pretty good.
