In this July 2021 photo, Cindy Miller tees off at the Links Charity at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown. P-J file photo by Scott Kindberg

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A Chautauqua Sports Hall-of-Famer continues to be recognized for her contributions to golf.

Cindy Miller (Class of 2014) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Ellen Griffin Rolex Award, joining an elite group of distinguished educators in the game. According to a story by Marie Lipski on the LPGA website, the award honors an individual who “exemplifies the teaching excellence, passion and transformative spirit” of Griffin, a pioneer in golf instruction.

“Receiving the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award is one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Miller in Lipski’s report. “I first met Ellen at an LPGA Teaching Division workshop early in my career, and I remember thinking, ‘She genuinely loves people and loves teaching — I can only hope to someday have that kind of impact.’ She became a quiet but powerful role model for me.

“Forty years later, I’ve had the privilege of teaching at public driving ranges, working with everyone from total beginners to PGA TOUR Comeback Players of the Year. Ellen’s spirit has been with me through all of it.

“This award will always hold a special place in my heart, because at the end of the day, what drives me is exactly what drove Ellen: helping people who want to get better, get better.”

The Silver Creek resident’s journey in the game has been marked by resilience and determination, according to Lipski.

She once faced the persistent belief that she was “not good enough.” Initially unable to make the women’s golf team at the University of Miami, she proved them wrong by walking on, becoming team captain, and earning All-American honors her senior year. After missing the cut in her first attempt at tour qualifying, she soon after earned her LPGA Tour card, only to lose it three seasons later. Undeterred, she went on to compete on the LPGA Legends Tour, where, after four years of dedicated preparation, she finished second on the money list.

That inner doubt ultimately became a driving force behind her success and her mission: guiding every student through her proven three-step framework to own their game, on the course and beyond.

Today, as the Founder and CEO of Cindy Miller Inc, she embodies Griffin’s spirit. She has built a reputation for empowering students by embracing individuality and turning perceived limitations into strengths. Her approach centers on becoming each student’s biggest fan, until they can confidently believe in themselves.

Since 1982, Miller has taught at public driving ranges in Buffalo, building her programs from the ground up each season. She offers private lessons, group sessions, playing lessons, golf schools, and boot camps in Florida. Since 2001, she has led an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Site, and in 2016, she founded her nonprofit organization, Pursue Your It, which focuses on educating, inspiring, and challenging young people to discover their potential, passion and purpose.

Like Griffin, Miller’s influence extends far beyond her local community. Her work with charities and corporate organizations has expanded the reach of the game, using her storytelling ability and relatability to make a lasting impact on individuals from all walks of life.

Miller is also a sought-after speaker and corporate trainer. As a certified behavior and motivation professional, she has delivered programs for major companies including Microsoft, Merck, and Liberty Mutual. Her work helps teams unlock potential and improve performances both on and off the course.

In 2025, Miller authored Take Another Shot: At Business, Golf or Life, extending her message beyond golf and encouraging others to pursue growth and excellence in all areas of life.

Building on that message, Miller recently delivered her TEDx Talk, “Unlock IT: Your Full Potential,” now available on YouTube. In it, she shares her proven framework for breaking through self-imposed limitations and stepping fully into one’s potential, a message that has resonated with audiences far beyond the golf course.

Miller is widely regarded as a gold standard among golf professionals and a role model for aspiring instructors. Her genuine passion for people and teaching continues to shape the game and inspire future generations, carrying forward the enduring legacy of Ellen Griffin.

Miller is decorated with many honorable awards and achievements over her career, and in the last year alone was named an Elite LPGA Top 50 Best Teacher, a prestigious category she has been recognized for nearly three decades.