Just under a year ago, Dave Kendall got the kind of news no one wants to hear. He was diagnosed with a terminal form of cancer and thought his time might be up before 2025 rolled around. But here he is, still very much in the game—of golf, and of life.
Kendall, a celebrated teaching professional at the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame and the driving force behind the Kendall Golf Academy in Ypsilanti, as well as a partner at Washtenaw Golf Club, has always had a thing or two to share about golf. He now finds himself learning a few life lessons of his own.
Reflecting on his journey, Kendall says, “So many amazing things have happened since my diagnosis, and I’m relieved that I didn’t let myself give up. I made it my mission to live each day to its fullest. I get up and take a walk every day, and, much to my surprise, I’m back on the golf course. I play whenever I can, savoring every moment. I hope for a miracle, but regardless, I have so much to be grateful for—I win in any outcome.”
In a wonderful testament to his lifelong contributions, Kendall has been honored with the Golf Association of Michigan’s (GAM) Distinguished Service Award for 2025, the organization’s highest accolade. This recognition will be celebrated at GAM’s annual meeting in the spring.
Mary Jo Green, senior director at GAM, put forth Kendall’s name, citing his profound impact on golfers across the spectrum. She notes, “Throughout his career, Dave has mentored and educated thousands, including many budding golf professionals. His influence extends to numerous instructors at his academy, all imbued with his commitment to excellence. His dedication to fostering lasting golfers in Michigan and his passion for growing the sport is truly unmatched.”
Kendall, both humbled and proud, acknowledges how his long relationship with GAM has enriched his life. He comments, “As the amateur branch of golf in Michigan, GAM has been instrumental for our members, especially during my tenure at Cadillac Country Club. It has offered great competitive opportunities to the players I’ve coached.”
He holds dear the myriad of experiences GAM has offered, including coaching moments like watching his godson, Henry Do, clinch the Michigan Amateur Championship in 2014. “That victory was thrilling—for Henry and his family, and simply being part of that success story was deeply rewarding,” he shares. Hosting GAM tournaments at Washtenaw has been a privilege despite the challenges it presents, like revenue impacts. “The exposure our course gets, and the relationships built with GAM officials and players, those have been invaluable,” he stresses.
A particularly inspirational visit from Dennis Walters came to Washtenaw not long after Kendall’s diagnosis. Walters, renowned for his trick-shot performances despite being paralyzed from the waist down, offered Kendall a paradigm shift. “Dennis, who I knew and played with before, did his show during our Folds of Honor Classic. Seeing him out there was inspiring, and confessing my cancer story to him felt small—he practices relentlessly just to perform, despite his own monumental challenges,” Kendall reflects.
That encounter nudged Kendall from dwelling on his illness to reclaiming golf as a form of active recovery. “After brain surgery and the tough chemotherapy, walking was impossible for three months. But slowly, I started to eat better, gain weight, and swinging a club became my exercise. Competing with myself felt satisfying, and sharing rounds with my wife Karen lifted my spirits. There was a particular day I lined up a putt to shoot my age—69—following everything I’d endured. Sinking that putt was as sweet as any victory, any shot I’ve ever taken.”
Kendall’s doctor now calls 2024 a “good year” and together they work towards more good days. Meanwhile, young golfers from his past are already penciling him in for 2025 events. The two-time Michigan Senior Open champ will team up with familiar faces for upcoming Michigan PGA tournaments, including Casey Baker and Ian Ziska, adding another chapter to his storied career.
“This recognition by the GAM is a wonderful gesture,” Kendall concludes. “So many wonderful things continue to happen, and it’s all more than I could have imagined.”
