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 top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
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.
-
Graham DeLaet Facts: 20 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro Turned Broadcaster
Graham DeLaet had a successful career in the game, but after injuries took a toll, he has stepped into a broadcasting role in recent years - here are 20 facts about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Arron Oberholser Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour-Winning Golf Channel Broadcaster
Arron Oberholser left his PGA Tour career behind to take up life as a Golf Channel broadcaster in 2013 – here are 15 things to know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
LPGA Tour Announces 2025 Schedule
The 2025 LPGA Tour season will have two new events including a visit to Mexico, while the biennial International Crown returns
By Mike Hall Published
-
Anyone From Nelly Korda To 60th-Place Carlota Ciganda Can Win The Biggest Check In Women's Golf History This Week - Here's Why
The LPGA Tour season culminates in the CME Globe Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club this week - and an $11 million total prize purse is on the line
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Lexi Thompson Says She ‘May Tee It Up A Few Times Next Year’ As She Prepares To Retire From Full-Time Professional Golf
The American has revealed she might play a limited schedule next year as she prepares for life beyond a full-time professional schedule
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Just Think It Really Drags The Game Down' - LPGA Tour Stars Weigh In On Slow Play Debate
Nelly Korda is one of the players who has given her thoughts on the issue of slow play on the LPGA Tour after Charley Hull suggested a brutal idea to kill the issue
By Mike Hall Published
-
CME Group Tour Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
Nelly Korda heads the field as players compete for one of the largest purses in the history of the women’s game
By Mike Hall Published
-
Women’s NCAA Division I Champion Adela Cernousek Turns Pro
Texas A&M's Adela Cernousek has announced she is turning professional, with a place in the final stage of LPGA Tour Q-Series on the horizon
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Feel Sorry For The Fans' - Charley Hull Proposes Brutal Idea To 'Kill' Slow Play
After pointing out that her third round at The Annika took close to six hours, the World No.11 suggested an idea which could greatly reduce slow play on tour
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Nelly Korda Joined By Tennis Star Brother Sebastian As He Watches Her Win For First Time
Sebastian Korda was present to watch Nelly Korda claim her seventh victory of the season in the Annika Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican
By Mike Hall Published