Lemoore's Dani Kinder takes her considerable golf skills and 'Snoopy' to Idaho

On Thursday, the talented 18-year-old golfer, who won the West Yosemite League championship this year and helped lead her team to the Central Section Division II Girls’ Golf Championship, has decided to become a University of Idaho Vandal, and with family and friends in attendance, Kinder signed a national letter-of-intent to play her college golf in Idaho.

Dani with parents and brother Liam at Thursday's signing.

All joking aside – the “Snoopy” golf club is probably long gone, but she will be taking a boatload of golf talent with her to the University of Idaho. For the record, “Snoopy” was her first club.

“It was definitely one of the classic clubs,” she said. “And I had a little whiffle ball I think when I was five or six years old, but I started taking it very seriously about eight years ago.”

She’s joining a pretty good Idaho team coached by former Gonzaga player Lisa Johnson. The Vandals won the Big Sky title last season. The Vandals were led by Big Sky champion Sophie Hausmann, the Big Sky Freshman of the Year, Michelle Kim, and three other all-conference choices.

Dani Kinder showing good form at a West Yosemite League match this past season.

What attracted her to Idaho, besides the university’s golf prowess and fresh air? “Really, the community,” said Kinder. “Everyone was so welcoming to me when I went there on my visit. My teammates are awesome girls, they’re truly nice, and the coaches have a lot of experience.”

While Kinder won just about everything in sight this past season, including earning a shot at a state title, she thinks the University of Idaho is well suited to her. “I think the best golf is ahead of me, and I have a lot of growing to do, and I’m really excited about the opportunity to play for the university of Idaho.”