For the first time, Krystal Quihuis (Tucson, Arizona) is competing professionally in her hometown. This week she is representing not only her city, but also the University of Arizona Wildcats and the Pascua Yaqui tribe.
“It feels amazing. I have established a good relationship with the people at Sewailo Golf Club and it’s just nice to see the community here supporting the Epson Tour,” said Quihuis. “They don’t always get to see what we are all about so this a big one for me.”
As an amateur, Quihuis found a lot of success in Arizona. She won the 2013-14 American Junior Golf Association’s Heather Farr Classic, a was a two-time state champion individually and was a Tucson Women’s City Amateur Champion. Additionally, Quihuis was victorious on both the Wyndham Cup and PING Jr. Solheim teams. The 2015 Pac-12 Freshman of the year competed for the Wildcats for three years before turning professional.
“We had a few intercollegiate tournaments at Sewailo. We also had a Pac-12 event here as well,” said Quihuis. “I won on this course my sophomore year when I was up against Linnea Strom who is now on the LPGA Tour. It just brings back some really good memories.”
Krystal is one of two players on the Epson Tour with ties to the Native American community. While Gabby Lemieux shared her Drive On story last year on what her heritage means to her, Quihuis gives us a look into what it means to be a role model for the native children in Tucson.
“I am Pascua Yaqui from my dad’s side starting with my great-great grandmother who passed away last year,” said Quihuis. “Since I have been at Sewailo Golf Club, they have had junior clinics here for the native children and I come and help teach them about golf.
“I just tell them that golf opens many doors and many opportunities and it’s a great environment to communicate with other people. You could learn so many life skills. Just working with the kids is such a great honor because a lot of these kids don’t have the opportunity. To be out there to be a role model means a lot.”
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