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Goodyear golfer named All-American

BY KEATON MALLORY

West Valley View Staff Writer

Born in Lubbock, Texas, Kendall Todd moved to Arizona when she was 10 years old. She did not understand the profound affect it would have on her life.

Inspired by her father, Michael, to play golf, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas freshman was recently named a 2021 American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) fi rst team All-American.

“I was super happy the rest of the day after I saw the email,” she said about her fi rst team All-American feat. “It’s really nice to see your hard work pay off.”

Growing up in Goodyear, Todd tried a plethora of sports from tennis to soccer — but none of them stuck with her like golf. Meanwhile, she spent time with her golf-playing dad, driving around in the cart.

Eventually, she picked up a club and started hitting. Immediately, she fell in love with the father-daughter bonding experience.

“I love the fact that golf’s an individual sport,” Todd said. “I don’t have anyone else to rely on to do their part. I also love how you can turn around having a bad day or a bad tournament with just one good shot.”

She cited her father as her biggest inspiration, but her fi rst golf coach, Paul Smith, taught her how to play — and enjoy it.

“He taught me the fundamentals, but he made it fun and helped me to not feel bad if I don’t play well,” she said.

After she started working with Smith, she successfully played in tournaments. When she was about 15, she became a member of the AJGA.

“Once I started playing in the AJGA tournaments, that’s when I sort of realized I could do something with golf,” Todd said. “I was playing against the top players in my age group, and I did my best to go in and win, and I pushed myself to get to where I want to be.”

Although her high level of play and dedication led to her being where she is now, it wasn’t always an ideal situation for her. At one point in her golf career, she felt like what she was doing was pointless and wouldn’t lead to anything,

“I went through a phase where I didn’t enjoy it and nothing felt right,” Todd said. “But, I just kept practicing and kept going.”

Todd’s work ethic is next to none. She enrolled in an online-only high school for all four years in order to focus on golf.

“It gave me way more time to focus on golf,” Todd said. “It just gave me less distractions, too, being able to avoid the drama and the time-wasting that would come with playing on a high school team. I wanted it to be more ‘me-based’ so I can focus on only myself.”

This allowed her to solely focus on the AJGA tournaments, and it not only just paid off but it changed her life forever.

“Being a part of the AJGA fl ipped around my entire career,” Todd said. “The program was amazing and was super competitive. It was a whole different level compared to the other tournaments, and it helped me to improve a lot.”

Golfer Kendall Todd grew up in Goodyear but is now a freshman at UNLV.

(Photo courtesy of American Junior Golf Association)

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WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

Itty Bitty Open introduces kids to golf

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

In its 34th year, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona hosts the 2022 Itty Bitty Open on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 22 Valleywide locations.

Available for free to kids ages 3 to 5, the event offers golf clinics at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. when juniors and parents learn basics skills taught by qualified PGA and LPGA professionals.

Kids then participate in noncompetitive golf games and tournaments. Each golfer receives a set of plastic, right-handed golf clubs, balls, a bag and a visor. Participants are asked to leave their own clubs at home. An adult “caddie” must accompany each golfer.

“For 34 years, the Itty Bitty Open is a great way for parents to introduce their children to the game of golf,” said Scott McNevin, JGAA executive director.

“In fact, adults who attended decades ago are now bringing their kids, so the second generation is already here.”

A special contest with prizes will be held at each session for the “Best Dressed Golfer and Caddie Team.” All winners will receive a congratulatory letter, a trophy and two tickets for the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Dream Day Activities at the 2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Kids attend at no charge; tickets are for parents or other adults.

Space is limited. The deadline to sign up is Jan. 9 by calling 602-944-6168 or visit jgaa.org.

The 34-year-old Itty Bitty Open encourages children to learn the game of golf. (Photo

courtesy of Junior Golf Association of Arizona)

2022 Itty Bitty Open locations

Avondale

• Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale

Chandler

• Espee Park, 450 E. Knox Road, Chandler

Gilbert

• McQueen Park, 510 N. Horne Street, Gilbert

Glendale

• Legend at Arrowhead Golf Club, 21027 N. 67th Avenue, Glendale

Goodyear

• Falcon Park, 15050 W. Indian School

Road, Goodyear

Maricopa

• Copper Sky Multigenerational Center, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr.

Boulevard, Maricopa

Mesa

• Jefferson Park, 306 S. Jefferson Avenue, Mesa

Peoria

• Rio Vista Community Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria

Phoenix

• Cashman Park, 22222 N. 44th Place, Phoenix • Deer Valley Park, 19602 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix • Desert West Sports Complex, 6602 W. Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix • El Reposo Park, 502 E. Alta Vista Road, Phoenix • Los Olivos Park, 2802 E. Devonshire Avenue, Phoenix • Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix • Paseo Highlands Park, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix • Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th Street, Phoenix • Rose Mofford Sports Complex, 9833 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix • University Park, 1002 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix • Washington Park, 6655 N. 23rd Avenue, Phoenix

Scottsdale

• Scottsdale Ranch Park, 10400 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale

Surprise

• Surprise Stadium, 15930 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise

Tempe

• Benedict Park, 490 W. Guadalupe Road, Tempe