Sports - Local Colleges

POSTED: Thursday, May. 21, 2009

COLLEGE GOLF: Team, individual title within reach for Todd

BLAINE - Jarin Todd knows that winning an NCAA Division II National Men's Golf Championship isn't going to make or break his collegiate career.

Sure he would he like to win one. It would be the perfect ending to what has been four standout years for the Sonoma State University senior. But if it doesn't happen the Woodinville native is fine with that, too.

"Funny things can happen at this tournament," Todd said on Tuesday, May 19. "All I can do is play the best I can."

For Todd, his best is usually better than any other Division II golfer in the country. He's won the Jack Nicklaus Award, given to the NCAA Division II Player of the Year in each of the last two seasons and is a two-time first-team All-American.

"Winning that award has been a great honor," Todd said. "The funny thing is that the first year I didn't know anything about it."

Still, an individual national title has remained elusive. Todd came close last season when he finished tied for third at the national tournament. Heading into the final day of the four-day tournament at Loomis Trail Golf Club in Blaine, Todd is tied for 14th place, eight strokes behind the leader.

Gene Webster of Cal State University-San Bernardino sits in first place, two strokes up on Wayne State's Steve Cuzzort and Gavin Smith of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Webster shot a 1-over 72 on Thursday and is sitting even for the tournament.

Kelbi Lee of Ferris State University was one of the biggest movers of the day, jumping from 29th place to fourth after shooting 3-under for the day.

Even if an individual national title doesn't materialize for Todd, there's a chance a national team title could. The Seawolves are tied for third in the team standings, nine strokes behind CSU-San Bernardino.

Should Sonoma State rally for the team title, it would be even more special for Todd because he would be sharing it with younger brother Janssen Todd. The freshman is tied for 34th after three rounds.

"It's been great having him here," Todd said. "We get along really well and enjoy each other's company. It's a lot of fun on road trips."

Todd said he plans to spend the summer playing in several tournaments before giving the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament a try. Earning a PGA Tour card would be the culmination of a life-long dream.

"Since I was little I've wanted to be a professional golfer," Todd said.

His passion for golf is so strong that his high school graduation present was a trip to the 2005 British Open at St. Andrews. Todd said he scaled a wall on the final day to get a clearer view of the 18th hole to see Tiger Woods win the tournament.

"It was awesome," Todd said. "The whole experience was awesome. The galleries were so big for Tiger I didn't get to see him much, but I had a great view of the 18th hole when he won."

Maybe someday someone will be scrambling up walls to watch Todd play in the PGA.

Reach Joe Sunnen at joe.sunnen@bellinghamherald.com or 756-2862.