Why Poppie's Pond Tradition Could Continue At New Chevron Championship Venue
With the Major taking place at a new venue this year, will the winner continue the tradition of jumping into the pond?


After Jennifer Kupcho holed her winning putt to claim the 2022 Chevron Championship title at Mission Hills, she did what the victor had done every year since Amy Alcott in 1988 – jumped into Poppie’s Pond.
Kupcho’s celebratory dip was bittersweet, though, because it was the last time the Californian venue would host the tournament following its inception in 1972, with The Club at Carlton Woods in Texas taking up the honours this year.
Players expressed sadness at the notion that 2022 would be the last time the tradition was carried out, with 2014 winner Lexi Thompson describing jumping into Poppie’s Pond as “one of my best memories” and 2016 champion Lydia Ko saying: "The biggest thing about this event is Poppie's Pond. Obviously we've had multiple different sponsors that have sponsored this event, I'm going to miss the tradition of that and every year hoping to be the one that gets to make that leap."
Those goodbyes to a much-loved ritual may have been premature, though. There is a natural pond with a dock beside the 18th hole at the new venue, while a robe will also be available. An alligator net has been installed too, so it should be safe on that score. True, it’s not chlorinated like the one at Mission Hills, while the possibility of it housing the odd snake is not out of the question, but that isn’t enough to put some players off resurrecting the tradition should they win.
Here’s what it looks like on 18 at the Nicklaus Course for @Chevron_Golf. There’s a dock if someone wants to jump. Won’t be staged but a robe will be available. pic.twitter.com/zERHbLUg3vApril 18, 2023
World No.2 Nelly Korda is targeting her second Major this week. Before the tournament she was asked if she’d jump in if she won. She was adamant, saying: “Yes, I would.”
Ko didn’t seem quite so certain, but wasn’t writing off the possibility if she replicates her success of seven years ago. She said: “Are you meant to jump? I've seen people hit shots on to the green, so I wasn't sure if it was like a hitting bay or you're a little bored to jump. I thought it was a little deck to jump, but my caddie Dave and my mom was like, surely not, because it's too small to fit everyone. But if that happens, it's definitely a good worry to see if you all can fit on the deck.”
Still, she did predict that the tradition would continue, saying: “I feel like people would jump in it because that is a tradition of this championship, and Chevron made that possible for us."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
It’s been on Georgia Hall’s mind, too, who said: “I don't know if anyone is going to jump in that lake, but we'll see.” However, one player who could take some persuading is Kupcho, who explained: “I guess we'll see what comes down to it. I'm not really sure. I think there might be snakes in the water here, so might be a little interesting.”
Ultimately, whether the tradition continues appears to rest on who wins, although with the euphoria of just claiming a Major, the pond right there and likely encouragement from the crowd, you probably shouldn't bet against it.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Valero Texas Open 2025 Picks, Predictions And Odds
The last event before The Masters takes place at the Valero Texas Open, where there is one final spot available for the first men's Major of 2025
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Hurry! Amazon's Big Spring Sale Ends Today - Here Are 15 Deals I Recommend
The event ends at midnight tonight, so if you still have a gap in your gear setup, now is the time to fill it!
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Augusta National Women's Amateur 2025 Picks, Odds And Predictions
The Augusta National Women's Amateur returns for a sixth time, and many of the leading female players from all over the world will do battle in Georgia
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
T-Mobile Match Play Prize Money Payout 2025
Nelly Korda defends her title as a field of 64 competes for an eye-catching purse at Nevada’s Shadow Creek Golf Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Left Actually A Good Four Shots Out There' - Charley Hull Shoots Career Best LPGA Round But Had A 59 On Her Mind
Charley Hull felt a 59 was on the cards as she shot a career-best 63 at the Ford Championship, but came off the course feeling she'd left at least four shots out there
By Paul Higham Published
-
Charley Hull Makes Driver Change Ahead Of Ford Championship 63
The World No.10 moved into the new TaylorMade Qi35 LS ahead of this week's Ford Championship in Arizona, where she got off to a fast start
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Champions Retreat Golf Club: ANWA Course Designed By Golf's 'Big Three' Legends
Take a closer look at Champions Retreat GC, just 15 miles from Augusta National with a unique design by golfing legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer
By Paul Higham Published
-
How To Qualify For The Augusta National Women’s Amateur
The Augusta National Women's Amateur is one of the jewels of the women's game, but how do players qualify?
By Paul Higham Published
-
Ford Championship Prize Money Payout 2025
It's the second Ford Championship this week on the LPGA Tour, where there's a $2.25m prize pot up for grabs
By Elliott Heath Published
-
'Shocked' Mimi Rhodes Claims First LET Victory In Fourth Start After Helpful Swing Change
A winner of the 2023 NCAA D1 Women's Golf Championship and the 2024 Curtis Cup claimed her second pro success at the Women's NSW Open on Sunday
By Jonny Leighfield Published