Pat Bradley would walk past the Dinah Shore statue next to Mission Hills Country Club’s 18thgreen. She’d grab Dinah’s arm, climb up onto the small base and chat with her. Larry Bohannan, a long-time Desert Sungolf author, recalled the scene while he thought about the question: How can Shore’s legacy in Texas be continued?
Like many LPGA greats before her, Bradley was close friends with Shore. The Hollywood star made such an impact on the tour during the 1970s and 1980s, that they inducted her into the LPGA Hall of Fame as the sole non-playing member.
It’s only natural to wonder what Shore will do in the 52nd Chevron Championship (known by many as “The Dinah”), which leaves the Dinah Shore Tournament Course to head to The Woodlands near Houston.
Bohannan said that Bradley’s ritual is impossible to create. “That has to be organic.”
Shore died in 1994 before the birth of nine of the world’s top 10 players. Jane Blalock, who was the tournament’s first champion, stated that Shore could be likened to Oprah today in terms of her popularity, reach, and influence.
There are only three events left before the Chevron, so there is a burning question: Will the champion’s jump, which was the most important tradition of the LPGA (and perhaps the only notable tradition), continue?
Golfweek organizers stated that there is no expectation that a player would jump in the lake next month at The Nicklaus Course at The Club At Carlton Woods. However, if the mood strikes, the championship team will make sure it is safe.
A portion of the lake near the 18th green is being netted and dredged to ensure it is deep enough for players and their caddies to take the plunge. If necessary, the traditional robes and slippers will be available.
Brittany Lincicome (a Mission Hills two-time champion) said, “Whoever wins this season needs to jump in.
View of the 18th green at Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Carlton Woods. (courtesy Club of Carlton Woods).
Shore’s family was invited to the “Dinah’s Place” hospitality area at Carlton Woods’ Nicklaus 18th Green.
Shore’s name will live on through the Chevron Diana Shore Scholarships. These scholarships are given to high school seniors who want to pursue a college education, but not play collegiate golf. Nominees should have a passion and drive to grow women’s golf.
Thomas Keller, owner and chef of The French Laundry will host a Champions Dinner. He will create a special menu in honor of Jennfier Kupcho, 2022 champion. A Junior Legacy Pro-Am will be back at the tournament, which aims to bring together legends and bright young players.
For now, the Champions Wall will be a temporary structure to celebrate 51 years of history at Mission Hills.
Sandra Palmer, an honorary member of Mission Hills, won the LPGA 19 times, including the Colgate Dinah shore Winner’s Circle, before it became a major. She feels that the championship must be renamed in her home state of Texas.
Last year’s Chevron conference was abuzz about the LPGA Legends hosting an event in Coachella Valley this spring. Kupcho won the race at the Sunday news conference.
The PGA Tour Champions announced two weeks later that the Galleri Classic would take place March 24-26 at Mission Hills. Among those who committed to the field are Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples and Steve Stricker, David Duval, David Duval, Bernhard Langer, Bernhard Langer, Bernhard Langer, and Fred Couples.
At this point, there has been no announcement in this area for senior women.
Jin Young Ko, David Brooker, the caddie, and Soo Jin Choi, the agent, leap into Poppie’s Pond near the 18th green at Mission Hills Country Club, California, after the 2019 ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images).
Patty Sheehan won Mission Hills 1996. She lives in Mission Hills now, working behind the 14th Tee on the Dinah Shore Course. She signed up to volunteer at Galleri Classic. She had three options: walk scorer, range worker, or help in the caddie tent.
Sheehan, who is still undecided about her job, said that the greens on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course are fast and difficult, but that the rough isn’t over. They have added a few new tees to the course and trimmed the eucalyptus tree to make it more open.
She said that they were trying to clear Poppie’s Pond “in case one of the them attempts to jump.”
Sheehan stated that she is trying to “go down a positive road” regarding how things have turned.
The 18th green on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Carlton Woods (courtesy The Club At Carlton Woods).
Judy Rankin is also participating in the Dinah, just like Blalock and Palmer. Rankin was part the LPGA’s rich history at Mission for fifty decades, all the way to last year’s final putt in the broadcast booth. She would also like to see Chevron make its own history in Texas.
She said that adapting to change is part of growing old gracefully. Be glad that you had it. Celebrate on a rare occasion. Let the new be new.
