Final day of Kraft Nabisco attracts thousands of fans

Sun, a cool breeze and plenty of first-class women’s golf made for an ideal final day at the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship.

“It’s totally relaxing, the setting of Mission Hills is superb,” said Russ Wiebe, a Palm Springs resident who comes to the tournament each year.

“It’s great, I mean you can get up close and personal whereas at a lot of other tournaments you can’t. So you can study their swings and I just love being out here,” said Joan Mueting, attending from Murrieta.

Everyone had their favorite player, including 8-year old Caitlynn Pedersen of La Quinta, who got to meet 21-year-old LPGA player Jessica Korda. When Pedersen’s third grade class had a dress-up day recently, Korda came dressed as her.

“I was Jessica Korda and just now she signed it right here and I thought it was pretty cool,” Pedersen said showing off her signed photograph.

“She met up with her and she said, ‘Hi you’re my favorite golfer and I’d really like you to sign my golf picture,” Caitlynn’s dad, Ray Pedersen, said.

Judi Callaway sets up her chair near the iconic 18th hole every year.

“I have the best seat in the house. Every year for 15 years I’ve been sitting in this spot,” Callaway said.

A highlight for fans is seeing just who will make that famous plunge into Poppie’s Pond. Last year it was South Korea’s Inbee Park.

“I think the best part is at the end of the tournament when she jumps in and it’s been on my bucket list to jump in,” Callaway said.

That signature jump is a tradition that adds to the legacy of one of the valley’s most treasured events.