Legendary PGA Golf Professional Len Kennett Passes Away at 98

Photo Credit: Press Telegram / Robert Casillas – SCNG

Ontario, California – July 11, 2025 – The golf world mourns the loss of Southern California icon Len Kennett, PGA, who passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, at the age of 98. A revered PGA Professional and a pioneering advocate for junior golf, Kennett leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, sportsmanship, and mentorship.

Len Kennett’s journey began humbly as a caddie at Santa Anita Golf Course, but his passion and dedication elevated him through the ranks to become one of the region’s most respected PGA Professionals. After serving in the Marines and attending USC—where he captured the 1950 Southern California Intercollegiate Championship—Kennett turned professional in 1953.

A proud member of the PGA of America for over 70 years, Kennett was a respected figure within the Southern California PGA Section, where he served not only as a decorated PGA Professional but also as a mentor and leader to countless others in the golf community. His contributions extended beyond the fairways, playing an instrumental role in advancing the mission of the PGA, promoting the game’s values, and fostering growth at both the grassroots and professional levels. Kennett’s enduring impact is felt across the Section and beyond, where his passion for teaching, service, and the traditions of golf continue to inspire generations of PGA Professionals.

“Mr. Kennett was a pillar of the Southern California golf community for over 70 years,” said SCPGA CEO/Executive Director Nikki Gatch, PGA.  “As a PGA Professional, he exemplified integrity, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the game. He was especially revered for his tireless support of junior golf, mentoring countless young players and inspiring generations. His legacy will live on not only in the many lives he touched but in the spirit of the game he loved so deeply. He will be greatly missed.”

He held prominent roles at:

• Marine Memorial Golf Course
• San Gabriel Country Club
• Los Verdes Golf Club (34-year tenure)
• Lakewood Country Club (over two decades)

The Len Kennett Junior Golf Championship was founded by Len in 1955 at Lakewood CC, and the tournament has become a cornerstone of SoCal Junior Golf and is still conducted today! The event attracted future stars like Tiger Woods and John Merrick and routinely welcomed over 300 young competitors.

“In both instances, [Tiger Woods] was way, way above average,” Kennett once recalled of a young Woods on the course. His unwavering belief in youth development earned him prestigious honors, including:

• PGA Half Century Club Member
• SCPGA Heritage Award Winner (2010)
• Inducted into SoCal Golf Hall of Fame (2016); SCPGA (2010); SCGA (2016)
• SCGA Lynn Smith Award (2005)
• Southern California PGA Bill Bryant Award (1991)
• Long Beach Golf Hall of Fame inductee (1998)

A celebration of Len Kennett’s life will be shared when available.