The 2024 USGA Women’s Amateur recently contested at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. JGAA alumna Kendall Todd of Litchfield Park and current Arkansas Razorback started with a bang as the No. 18 seed. In the Round of 64, she secured a 4&3 victory over No. 47 seed Lauren Calderon of South Pasadena, California. Todd followed up with a 2&1 W in the Round of 32 against No. 50 seed Gabby Woods of Sabina, Ohio. The West Valley local refused to let up as the rounds continued with sharp play and incredible ball striking. The sweet 16 was no match for Todd, unleashing a 7&6 dominant performance against No. 31 seed Rocio Tejedo of Spain, highlighted by four birdies.
The Quarterfinals posed a threat with Todd and her opponent, No. 10 seed Kelly Xu of Claremont, exchanging blows. A total of three lead changes led to a stalemate between the two competitors on the final holes in regulation. Todd ultimately pulled off the upset on the 20th hole with par to punch her ticket to the Semifinals.
Making it to the final day of play, the former JGAA player had her eyes set on the championship with a key matchup against No. 6 seed Rianne Malixi of the Philippines. The contest put on a full display of superb golf between the two amateurs. Kendall Todd took the turn 1 up on Malixi but began to lose steam on the back nine with her opponent tying it up on hole 13. She managed to regain the lead on the par-5 16th with a birdie, but Malixi responded quickly with a birdie of her own to bring the match to all square with one hole to go. In dramatic fashion, Malixi captures back-to-back birdies to scrap up the win by one against Kendall Todd.
“What an outstanding showing from our former JGAA player. Kendall represented the JGAA and all of Arizona well and we couldn’t be prouder of how she played at a TOUR-tested Southern Hills Country Club,” said JGAA Executive Director Scott McNevin. “Can’t wait to see her compete in her final season at the University of Arkansas.”
