Paris Griffith got her competitive juices flowing early in her childhood by playing soccer and softball.  While golf didn’t exactly pique Paris’ interest growing up, she was certainly captivated with the sport thanks to her father’s love for golf.  She showed a passing interest for the game, occasionally accompanying her father to courses when she was 8 and 9 years old.  But it wasn’t until she was 11 ½ when she first asked her father to take her out to play.  It didn’t take long for her newfound interest to take hold, and the rest is history. 

 

“It’s become a passion.  I really like it. I think it’s the competitiveness. I’ve always been a competitive person.”

 

Griffith’s father realized just how competitive his daughter was becoming during a conversation not long after a round in Hawaii.  “When you’re 14, I expect you to beat me at golf,” he said to which Paris responded: “Dad, will you be upset if it happens before that?”  As you may have guessed, she did exactly what she said she would do.  On February 26, 2009, just 3 months and 11 days before her 14th birthday, she beat her dad at The Vineyard in Escondido by a score of 82 to 85.

 

Paris grew up in San Diego where she attended Del Norte High School and lettered all four years in golf.  She was also honored on the All-Valley League Team in her freshman through senior years.  As part of the women’s golf team, she set the school record for the lowest score in 9-holes at 34, two-under par.  As captain, Paris led the team to three Valley League championships from 2010-2012.  Her accomplishments led her to the CIF where she was recognized on the All-CIF team from 2010-2013 and also competed individually in 2009.  Outside of high school she competed in multiple golf tournaments, winning the NCJGA Fall Series in December 2011 and the Summer series in July 2012.

 

Paris went on to compete collegiately from 2013 to 2017 playing in 28 tournaments with five career top-5 finishes.