Introduction:
Skip Kendall, a journeyman PGA Tour player, played in 370 PGA Tour events, winning once in his career, and made over $8 million in prize money. Though his stats do not put him in the company of legends, his journey and experiences are fascinating, and his contributions to the sport go beyond the numbers. In this blog post, we will uncover the untold story of Skip Kendall, the PGA Tour journeyman, and trailblazer.
The Early Years:
Robert “Skip” Kendall was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in December 1964. His father, Peter Kendall, was an accomplished golfer, who taught him the game. Skip played golf in high school and college before turning professional in 1987.
Road to the PGA Tour:
Skip Kendall started his professional career playing mini-tours and the European Tour before he got his PGA Tour card in 1991. He struggled for a few years before earning his first victory on the PGA Tour in 1996 at the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic.
The Journeyman Golfer:
Skip Kendall played in 370 PGA Tour events, finishing in the top ten 36 times, and making more than $8 million in prize money. He was a consistent top-100 player throughout the 1990s and 2000s, but he never won again after his first victory in 1996.
The Trailblazer:
Skip Kendall is a trailblazer in many ways. He became the first PGA Tour player to wear a mic during a tournament in 1998, and he played in the first-ever Presidents Cup in 1994. Additionally, he is one of the few openly gay players in the sport.
The Challenges:
Skip Kendall battled injuries throughout his career, undergoing several surgeries, including a wrist surgery that forced him to miss most of the 2002 season. He also struggled with his mental health, suffering from depression and anxiety.
The Legacy:
Despite his struggles, Skip Kendall’s legacy goes beyond the numbers. He was a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for future openly gay athletes in golf and other sports. His contribution to the sport of golf remains significant, both on and off the course.
The Revival:
After retiring from professional golf, Skip Kendall found success as a golf teacher and coach. He is the co-owner of the Skip Kendall Golf Academy and has helped many aspiring golfers improve their games.
The Comeback:
In 2021, Skip Kendall made headlines by making a comeback on the PGA Tour Champions Circuit at the age of 56. He played in several tournaments and made the cut at the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship, finishing tied for 52nd.
Conclusion:
Skip Kendall’s journey from a journeyman golfer to a trailblazer and a successful coach proves that the sport of golf is not just about winning tournaments, but it’s also about overcoming challenges and paving the way for future generations. His legacy will continue to inspire young golfers for years to come.
FAQs:
Q1) What is Skip Kendall’s biggest contribution to the sport?
Skip Kendall’s biggest contribution to the sport is breaking barriers as one of the few openly gay players in golf and paving the way for future generations.
Q2) How many PGA Tour events did Skip Kendall win?
Skip Kendall won one PGA Tour event, the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic, in 1996.
Q3) What challenges did Skip Kendall face during his career?
Skip Kendall battled injuries and underwent surgeries throughout his career, and also struggled with depression and anxiety.
Q4) What is Skip Kendall doing after his golf career?
Skip Kendall is a co-owner of the Skip Kendall Golf Academy and is working as a golf teacher and coach.
Q5) Did Skip Kendall make a comeback on the PGA Tour recently?
Yes, in 2021, Skip Kendall made a comeback on the PGA Tour Champions circuit and played in several tournaments.