Family-run coaching
Coaching shaped by people, not packages
Meet the family behind Team Griffin and the coaches who help every player grow with confidence.
Griffin Golf Studio - Allenmore Golf Course - High Cedars Golf Course
More than lessons
A family-run coaching community
Teaching golf in Washington has been one of our greatest joys. Coaching families is not just our profession, it is our passion and purpose. We have dedicated our careers to helping players of all ages grow in the game, and in doing so, we have found deep professional fulfillment.
As we continue to expand our knowledge and expertise, we are eager to share that with both current and future students. To say Griffin Golf is a passion project would be an understatement.
At Griffin Golf, everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level, goals, or budget. Our mission is to support those who seek a deeper understanding of the game. We are especially committed to guiding Washington junior golfers as they develop the skills needed to compete at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels.
Why we exist
Passion, purpose, and community
We are driven by our passion for golf and a commitment to building a strong, connected community through the game.
What we do
We educate and inspire people to learn, play, and grow through golf.
What we believe
- Golf ignites passion.
- Golf teaches valuable life lessons.
- Golf is for people of all ages.
- Golf helps young players develop skills that last a lifetime.
- Golf is a game where God's goodness is revealed.
Our core values
G.R.I.F.F.I.N.
Seven values guide how the team coaches, competes, and cares for the community around the game.
Who we are
The coaching team
More than 30 years of combined experience across every level of the game, from first-timers to high-performance players.
Co-owner - Director of Instruction
Sara Griffin
Operation 36 Master Coach
Sara was born and raised in Federal Way, Washington, and began playing golf at age eight at Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club. She was a four-year letter winner on the boys' high school team before earning a spot on the Oregon State University Women's Golf Team. After graduating, she transitioned into coaching as an assistant coach for the Oregon State Beavers. Two years later, she was offered the head coach position at the University of San Francisco.
Between 1997 and 2005, Sara built a Top-25 ranked team, secured a West Coast Conference Championship, and led the program to eight consecutive NCAA Regional appearances. In 2005, she returned to the Pacific Northwest and began her tenure at Tacoma Country & Golf Club, where she continued to grow the game at the local level. Sara earned her Class A PGA Membership in 2009 and remains dedicated to developing players of all ages and skill levels.
At Griffin Golf Studio, Sara cultivates an environment where players of all levels can thrive. She combines Foresight Sports simulator technology with a personalized, heart-centered teaching approach. Her coaching goes beyond skill building to foster a lifelong passion for the game, and she is known for her dedication to her students' success.
Additional achievements and credentials
- Operation 36 Master Coach
- Class A PGA Member since 2009
- PNWPGA Section Youth Player Development Award: 2023, 2019, and 2015
- PGA Junior League Game Changer Award: 2022-2024
- Operation 36 Master Coach: 2022-2024
- Top 50 Operation 36 Coach: 2021 and 2019
- PGA.coach and American Development Model certified
- WWCPGA Player Development Award Winner: 2017
- WWCPGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: 2013 and 2011
- Certified U.S. Kids Golf Coach
- PAX Community Educator mastery and certification: 2012
- HeartMath Certified Coach
- Four-year letter winner on the Federal Way High School boys' golf team
- Oregon State University Women's Golf Team member
- Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Oregon State University
Co-owner - Teaching Professional
Chris Griffin
Chris began playing golf at age nine and has not stopped since. He turned professional in 2000 and became a Class A PGA Member in 2006. He spent his teenage years working in the bag room at Tacoma Country & Golf Club and eventually worked his way up to first assistant.
In 2009, Chris set off to pursue a full-time PGA Tour career. He played on the Canadian Tour and various mini tours while attending PGA Tour Qualifying School. After four years of tour experience, he returned to Tacoma Country & Golf Club to continue teaching.
Chris won the Washington State Open in 2013, has consistently ranked among the top players in the PGA Pacific Northwest Section, and has represented the section on the Hudson Cup Team eight times. He brings tour experience, championship play, and decades of teaching knowledge to golfers who want to understand and own their game.
Additional achievements and credentials
- Class A PGA Member since 2006
- Western Washington PGA Teacher of the Year: 2019
- Washington State Open Champion: 2013
- Eight-time Hudson Cup Team member
- PNWPGA Assistant's Champion: 2007
- PNWPGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: 2006
- Top seven in PNWPGA Player of the Year points: 2005-2008
- WWCPGA Match Play Champion: 2007 and 2003
- Washington Open sixth-place finisher in 2004 and fifth-place finisher in 2005
- Rosauers Invitational runner-up in 2006 and fourth-place finisher in 2005
- Nationwide Tour competitor at Shadow Hills, Oregon: 2005
A little more about us
Golf has always been part of the family story
Chris and Sara got engaged on the famed Swilcan Bridge while playing the Old Course at St Andrews, married on the 15th hole at Tacoma Country & Golf Club, and honeymooned at The Masters.
Team achievements
- 2022 and 2017 WWCPGA Player Development Award Winner
- 2022-2024 PGA Junior League Game Changer Award
- 2023, 2019, and 2015 PNWPGA Youth Player Development Award Winner
- 2019 WWCPGA Teacher of the Year
- 2013 and 2011 WWCPGA, and 2006 PNWPGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
- 2013 PNWPGA Washington State Open Champion
- Swing coaches to tour professionals, developmental tour professionals, and other PNWPGA professionals