Koda has racked up more than 185 wins in her young career.  However, her streak of accolades was interrupted last year with news that her mother’s breast cancer had returned and had spread into her organs and bones.  Koda easily made the decision to cut back on her play and be home-schooled to spend more time with her family.  Her dream of someday playing in the LPGA was put on hold but not forgotten -- especially by her mother.

Kelly Jo Dowd had expressed her dying wish to a Florida newspaper that she could see Koda play in the LPGA.  Ginn Company President and CEO Bobby Ginn read about the Dowds and Kelly Jo’s wish.  Since the Ginn community Reunion Resort & Club of Orlando was hosting the inaugural Ginn Open in 2006, he offered a sponsor’s exemption to Koda. 

Being with her mother is more important than anything else in the world, but participating in an LPGA event is important to Koda too: not to say she’s played on tour, but to help fulfill Kelly Jo’s wish to see her amazing daughter be her best.