Alliah Jordan is playing in a very high profile “home game” this week as she qualified for the Steph Curry UNDERRATED Golf presented by KPMG tournament at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. Last week was an “away game” when she won a Western States Golf Association junior event in California that earned a very prestigious exemption (more on that later).
After one of two rounds at the Paiute, Jordan was tied for 25th following an opening 78 on the Wolf Course. Update: she finished T13 after closing with an even par 72, one of the best rounds of the second day.
NBA All Star and 4-time champion Steph Curry–also an avid golfer– founded UNDERRATED Golf to provide equity, access and opportunity to deserving student-athletes from underserved communities who may not otherwise be exposed to the full benefits of the sport. The mission is to increase the participation of competitive golfers from diverse backgrounds, and to engage corporate partners for mentoring, networking and visibility.
Jordan, 15, and the other golfers in the field appreciate what Curry and the rest of the team and sponsors are providing.
“It means a lot to me to play in a tournament like this,” said Jordan, who is a member of the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association. “UNDERRATED golf is helping give minorities the opportunity to play and get exposure in a top tournament like this and other tournaments around the country.”
Jordan didn’t need anything but her quality golf game to win the Western States tournament at Blue Rock Springs Golf Club in Vallejo, Calif. She shot rounds of 72-72 to win. The victory earned an exemption into the renowned PGA Jr. Championship in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Aug. 1-4.
The UNDERRATED event at Paiute is a great way to get ready for the national event. Jordan shot a 75 to win the UNDERRATED qualifier and gain entry into the 2-day Paiute event.
Jordan with the Western States trophy“I will always try my best and stay positive because the Wolf course is difficult and a challenge,” Jordan said. “I will also take it one stroke at a time in round two and then also at the PGA Jr. Championship.”
In addition to the golf, the players in the field at Paiute have enjoyed off-the-course activities that included a conversation between Golf Channel’s Gary Williams and legendary golf instructor Butch Harmon. There have also been dinners and other panel discussions. Other panelists have included NFL tight end Darren Waller and entrepreneur and golf personality Will Lowery, among others.
After round 1, Myla Robinson, Ashley Shaw and Jasmine Do were tied at 2-under par to lead the girls division. In the boys division, Evan Pena was leading at 3-under par.
Jordan appreciates the game for many reasons and will relish the opportunity for another round at the Paiute before focusing on the PGA Jr.
“What I love about golf are the ups and downs and the overall challenge, and that every time I play I know I will learn something about my game and myself,” Jordan said.
UNDERRATED Golf has already hosted events at The Park West Palm in Florida and the Firestone Club in Ohio. Next up is Chambers Bay in Seattle, Wash., Aug. 7-9, before the season-ending Curry Cup in San Francisco, Aug. 20-23.
The Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort is owned and operated the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, which became recognized as a Sovereign Nation through the Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934, in conjunction with the Las Vegas Paiute Tribal Constitution, approved on July 22, 1970. The Tudinu (or Desert People), ancestors of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, occupied the territory encompassing part of the Colorado River, most of southeastern Nevada and parts of both Southern California and Utah.
The resort features three championship Pete Dye golf courses.