Pat Bradley would climb on the base of the Dinah Shore statue at Mission Hills Country Club and place her hand on Dinah’s arm to have a conversation. Larry Bohannan, a longtime Desert Sungolf journalist, recalled the scene while pondering the question: how should Shore’s memory continue in Texas.
Bradley was friends with Shore, as were many other LPGA legends. Hollywood star made such an impact on the Tour in the 70s and 80s, that she was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
It’s only natural that people wonder what Shore will do as the 52nd Chevron Championship leaves Dinah Shore Tournament Course this week and moves to The Woodlands, near Houston.
Bohannan said that Bradley’s ritual was something organic.
Shore died in 1994 before nine of the 10 best players in the World were born. Jane Blalock said Shore was comparable to Oprah today in terms of popularity and reach.
One more burning question for this year’s Chevron is: Will the champions’ leap, which some might argue is the LPGA’s most notable tradition, continue?
The tournament organizers have told Golfweek that there is no expectation for a player to jump into the water on the 18th hole at The Club at Carlton Woods next month. However, if the mood strikes, the championship team will make sure the water will be safe.
This is what 18 looks like at the Nicklaus Course @Chevron_Golf. If someone wants to leap, there’s a dock. The show won’t be staged, but a robe is available. pic.twitter.com/zERHbLUg3v
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) April 18, 2023
A section of the lake near the 18th green will be dredged to ensure that it is deep enough to allow a player, her caddie, and their family to jump in. If needed, the traditional robes and slippers are also available.
Brittany Lincicome is a two-time winner at Mission Hills.
Shore’s generosity will live on through the Chevron Scholarships for Dinah Shore, which are awarded to seniors in high school who wish to pursue a college degree but do not play collegiate golf. Nominees should have a passion and drive for women’s sport of golf, as well as a desire to grow the game.
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Thomas Keller, the chef and owner of The French Laundry will create a special menu in honor of 2022 champion Jennifer Kupcho. The tournament will bring back the Junior Legacy Pro-Am to connect legends in the game with young stars.
For now, the Champions Wall is a temporary structure which will commemorate 51 years of history at Mission Hills.
Sandra Palmer, a member of Mission Hills and a 19-time winner on the LPGA (including the Colgate Dinah shore Winner’s Circle, before it became a major), believes the championship in Texas needs a new identity.
At last year’s Chevron, there was discussion about the LPGA Legends holding an event in Coachella Valley next spring. Even a press conference was held about it on Sunday morning, before Kupcho’s win.
The PGA Tour Champions announced two weeks later that the Galleri Classic will be held at Mission Hills from March 24 to 26. Fred Couples and Steve Stricker are among the players who have confirmed their participation.
There hasn’t been any announcements in this area yet for senior women.
Sheehan hasn’t decided yet which job she will take but reported that although the Dinah Shore Tournament Course greens were fast and hard, the rough wasn’t. The eucalyptus tree trimming and new tees have been added to the course in order to make it more open.
She said that they were cleaning up Poppie’s pond in case any of the kids tried to jump.
Sheehan says she is trying to “take the positive route” in regards to how things have worked out.
Judy Rankin is also doing the same. Like Palmer and Blalock, she won the Dinah long before it became a major. Rankin has been a part of Mission Hills’ rich history for over 50 years, up until the last putt in the broadcast booth of last year. She would also like to see Chevron make its own history in Texas.
She said that adapting to changes was part of aging gracefully. “Be grateful for what you have, celebrate the rare occasions, and let it be new.”
By: Beth Ann Nichols
Title: With the Chevron Championship at its new venue, how will Dinah Shore's legacy continue in Texas?
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/04/19/lpga-golf-dinah-shore-chevron-championship-texas/
Published Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:00:47 +0000
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