Kerdyk was born in Coral Gables, Florida. She had an impressive amateur career. In 1987, she won the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links and was runner-up in the U.S. Women's Amateur. She played college golf at the University of Miami where she won a record 11 times in 1988. She was a two-time All-American and 1988 NCAA Collegiate Player of the Year. She also played on the 1988 U.S. Curtis Cup team.
