Ellen Griffin

1988

LPGA Professional

Ellen Griffin began playing golf as a child while her father was stationed at Fort Benning, GA.  She had a varied career in the game.  She became a golfer at UNC-Greensboro, and, until her death, operated a teaching facility near Greensboro called “The Farm,” where she worked with several LPGA tour pros. She earned her degree in Physical Education from UNC-Greensboro in 1940 and her Master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1943.

Griffin was associated with the P.E. department at UNCG from 1940 until 1968, first as an instructor and later as a full professor.  In addition to coaching golf, she was coach of the school’s first women’s basketball team.  Her honors included UNCG’s Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 1980, Master status in the Ladies Professional Golf Association and LPGA National Teacher of the Year in 1962.  She was named one of the six most outstanding teachers in the U.S. by Golf Digest magazine in 1976.

Griffin was on the faculty of LPGA National Golf School and was among the founders of the National Golf Foundation.  She also served as a Vice President of the Women’s PGA, the forerunner of the LPGA.

Ellen Griffen was inducted into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame in 1988.