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Campo Verde High School senior Peyton Gibby took the field March 27 at the LPGA Ford Championship's Pro-Am, presented by KCC.
Gibby, a Gilbert native, earned a coveted spot in the tournament's Pro-Am, having paired with LPGA player Megan Khang, who is No. 13 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.
The Pro-Am used a Scramble, or “best ball," format and the Khang-Gibby group started their round by recording a birdie on the 10th hole.
Gibby's passion for golf ignited nine years ago when a family friend introduced her to the sport. She quickly embraced the game, dedicating herself to a rigorous training regimen that includes playing on weekends and practicing several times a week.
With the support of her family, coaches, and friends, Gibby's dedication paid off by earning a spot to play alongside golf professionals, including her favorite LPGA player Nelly Korda.
“I learned that I was playing in the Pro-Am while on vacation during spring break," Gibby said. "I hit the golf course as soon as we got home, and I spent the rest of my time refining my game.
“It’s a huge honor to be picked to play in the Ford Championship. Playing alongside the best golfers in the world is a bit intimidating, so I was a little nervous ahead of the Pro-Am. I feel like I learned a lot so I’m going to embrace it and make the most out of this opportunity.”
Gibby has proved to be an exceptional golfer, having competed in the Arizona Interscholastic Association's high school state championship golf tournament in each of her four high school seasons.
Her commitment to excellence also extends to the classroom, where she maintains a 4.17 GPA that earned her a spot on the Arizona Academic All-State golf first team.
"I have to make sure I get all my assignments in on time," Gibby said. "I have to stay focused in class so I don’t have to re-teach myself material later. That frees up more time for practice and competition."
Campo Verde Athletic Director Max Ragsdale said the school is "incredibly proud" of Gibby.
"Her dedication to golf and her academic success are a true testament to her well-rounded character,," he said. "Peyton exemplifies the values of hard work, sportsmanship, and excellence that we strive to instill in all our student-athletes. She’s a great representative of what Campo Verde High stands for.”
The LPGA Ford Championship teed off March 28 and runs through March 31. The tournament is being held at Seville Golf and Country Club in Gilbert, marking the event's inaugural year.
The field features nine of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Ranking, includingGibby’s favorite LPGA player, Korda, who is ranked No. 1.
The field also includes all five winners from the LPGA Tour's 2024 season so far, including major champions Hannah Green and Lydia Ko.
