Longtime Pro Joe Kelly Remembers Girl’s Junior Americas Cup
The prestigious Girl’s Junior America’s Cup returns to Southern Nevada July 30 – August 3 when some of the top female amateurs in the world tee it up at Reflection Bay Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas Resort. Longtime Southern Nevada PGA of America professional Joe Kelly has hosted the event the first two times it was in the area. He vividly recalls Lorena Ochoa winning the individual title the last time it was held here and is thrilled the event is returning.
“Every one of these girls from every team will probably play college golf,” said Kelly, who hosted the previous two Girls Junior Americas Cups when he worked at Stallion Mountain and Showboat Golf & Country Club. “And it’s a dream come true for the college coaches to be in Las Vegas to recruit from 72 of the best players from the west as well as Canada and Mexico. The quality of golf you’ll see in this tournament is as good as it gets. There will definitely be future LPGA Tour players in this event.
“Lorena Ochoa was just extremely dominant. There wasn’t one weak part in her game. I followed her around for nine holes and I was very impressed with her distance because she wasn’t a very big girl at all. She just had a great all-around game from a very young age.”
Volunteers and other help is still needed for the event. Please call 702-458-4653 to learn how to get involved or email dgonzalez
