Arizona Women's Golf Association

DAFFODIL SANCHEZ -- A BUDDING CHAMPION

Daffodil Sanchez is an eleven year old with a 1.9 Handicap Index playing in the AWGA Challenge Series. She’s not your average eleven year old -- on the course or off. Her normal drive of 260 yards, her mantle displaying scores of trophies, and her articulate conversation are a testament to both her ability and her maturity. She is clearly a youngster of extremes – a child in age but also an accomplished golfer, a gifted student, and a fierce competitor.

Since the AWGA Challenge Series is open to only a select few who can qualify with the stringent eligibility requirements, it is a remarkable feat for someone Daffodil’s age. Only those whose official USGA handicap index is 9.9 or less can participate, allowing players who enter to experience the real “challenge” of championship play with women of the same skill level. The course length for these tournaments is between 5,800 and 6,000 yards, the same as USGA and national events. “The Challenge Series is one of my favorite events because I can play longer courses,” Daffodil says with excitement. “So many of the events I play in are in the 4,000 to 5,000 yard range because of my age and I like the challenge of the 6,000 yard courses.” The few who participate are the cream of the crop in Arizona women’s golf. And Daffodil is one of them -- quite an extraordinary achievement for an eleven year old. So far, in the four events this year, Daffodil has placed 14th, 5th, 10th and 10th in playing fields from 28 to 50 women.

Mary Fink, an AWGA champion, is also a participant in the Challenge Series. Being paired with Daffodil has given Mary an objective perspective about her. “I’m impressed with Daffodil’s sweet nature and her understanding of golf,” Mary says. “She always tries to play her best but she is also aware that golf is only a game. She realizes that even though a poor shot may sneak in now and then, there are still more golf shots ahead to concentrate on.” Mary obviously enjoys being around Daffodil. She adds, “Daffodil’s youthful spirit is refreshing. What a fine young lady she is. I remind her not to beat the boys in all the tournaments or she may not get a prom date!”

Daffodil’s eyes sparkle as she talks about some of her more exciting experiences on the course. Her face lights up as she says, “I walked as an honorable observer for Michelle Wie at the LPGA Safeway Championship and was an honor caddy for John Daly and Jonathan Kaye at the 16th hole of the FBR Open.” She goes on, “When I’m with them, they make me want to become a champion too.” Daffodil has had a great deal of support from both professional and amateur golfers and coaches in the area. It is definitely a reciprocal feeling with the women of the AWGA who have played golf with her. She loves playing with them and they enjoy every minute of having her in the tournament.

Daf, as she is called by her friends and family, is an oxymoron – displaying traits of both a typical and an unusual eleven year old. She talks of her future as a golf pro, but has a back-up plan if that doesn’t happen. “I’d like to become a surgeon,” she said, “because I like helping people.” Having a disabled dad has given her a great deal of experience in that arena already. And in the midst of a serious discussion about her plans, she looks at her dog and lets out a spontaneous giggle. Although most of her words and actions are those of one much older, the childlike qualities often emerge giving her a unique charm that quickly draws people to her. Asked if she missed anything about not having a normal childhood, she responded with, “I would rather go golfing and plan for my future.” Her bedroom is a blend of both worlds, showing her constant transition between child and adolescent. On one wall is a poster of the LPGA Stars and another of the Bobby Jones movie. In her bookcase are Barbie dolls and dozens of porcelain dolls she collects.

Like her namesake, the bright and beautiful flower naturally adorning the landscape, Daffodil glows with both simplicity and sincerity. It is difficult to imagine that just five years ago she was a little girl playing on the streets of a small town in the Philippines, using palm fronds as a raincoat and living in a humble three-walled “home” surrounded by jungle. She spoke a native dialect and never heard of the game of golf. She was a happy six-year old, living a primitive but content lifestyle in the family atmosphere of her village.

Fast-forward to 2005 and it is evident that Daffodil has adapted quickly to her new life in the states. She not only has an absolute command of the English language but also has excelled in her schoolwork, advancing three grades in one year. She discovered golf at nine years old when her dad bought her an inexpensive driver in July of 2003. Just three months later, she won third place in a local golf competition with players in her age group. Her immediate interest in the game was surpassed only by her natural ability. She said, “I was thinking that this is easy and fun for me. I know I can improve.” And she did. She quickly became a regular entrant in junior golf events and emerged as a champion in December 2003, just five months after initially being introduced to the game, winning the Kent Chase Desert Junior Masters Championship by 19 strokes. She has since won 44 first place awards in junior golf competition . . . all in less than two years of play.

Her modest home is warm and comfortable and the closeness of their family can be instantly sensed. Daffodil’s achievements are proudly displayed by golf photos, trophies and awards, and articles written about her. In an unassuming way, she chooses her favorite trophies and offers details about the specific tournament and how she played. She is definitely excited about the awards but she seems to be even more excited about just playing the game. She describes tournaments with expressions like “I hit a couple really good drives” or “I holed a really long putt ” or “I played against boys in this tournament and beat all of them.” Her enthusiasm came through as she moved down the mantle remembering each event and how she fared.

Is she a golf phenomenon? It’s hard to tell at this age but she certainly has the ability, charisma, and potential to become a future golf great. Years from now we may all be saying ‘I knew Daffodil when she was just beginning to bloom.’