Happy mother's day

Knight Ridder
Apr. 2006

The LPGA deserves a standing O for its recent act of kindness.

The governing body of professional women's golf is allowing 13-year-old Dakoda Dowd to play in the Ginn Open near Orlando from April 27-30.

That a 13-year-old is playing is not news - Michelle Wie has seen to that.

No, what makes Dowd's entry into the tournament so special is the reason behind it.

Her mother, Kelly Jo Dowd, is suffering from terminal cancer and doesn't have long to live.

Kelly Jo - whose daughter has won numerous amateur events - has one wish: to see Dakoda play with the best in the world. And, thanks to the LPGA, she'll get it.

"It will mean everything to me," said Kelly Jo. "It's obviously a dream come true."

As for Dakoda... she's got a couple of wishes of her own.

"The only thing I really, really want is for my mom to be better," Dakoda said. "And my own room."