End of an Era: 51st Chevron Championship bittersweet feeling in final year of hosting historic tournament
After one final leap into the Poppie's Pond, the Chevron Championship will leap to Houston, leaving the valley after 51 years of hosting one of the most iconic and historic events in golf.
Symbolic photo as the Dinah Shore Tournament Course says goodbye while Houston looks on, waiting to take over one of the most iconic and historic tournaments in golf. @Chevron_Golf @KESQ @BaileyKESQ @Tarp1969 @Jesus_G_Reyes @LPGA @MissionHillsCC1 @PGAproDH pic.twitter.com/eQfC5v4Cef
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 29, 2022
"The phrase or the word bittersweet is just that. To have it here for 50 years and then see it leave is disappointing. However, we understand Chevron is a great sponsor," said Darrin Harn, Mission Hills Country Club Director of Golf.
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the signage. The @Chevron_Golf won’t move to Houston until next year but they made sure to install this massive sign behind the 18th green here at @MissionHillsCC1. @PGAproDH @KESQ @Tarp1969 @Jesus_G_Reyes @Qassignmentdesk @BaileyKESQ pic.twitter.com/zcizjIR2PT
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 29, 2022
Despite the tournament's departure, there was no senioritis from the staff at Mission Hills Country Club.
The famed Dinah Shore Tournament Course is in perfect condition, fit for a major championship to test the best players in the world.
Wow! What a treat to play the Dinah Shore Tournament Course ahead of next week’s @Chevron_Golf! Course is so pure, in excellent shape! Thank you to @PGAproDH and @MissionHillsCC1 for having us out! We’ll have coverage throughout the tournament on @KESQ! pic.twitter.com/yxCFI4iIzP
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 25, 2022
"The fairways are only going to be 30 yards wide and by Sunday, you're going to be looking at firm and fast and 3.5 inches of rough. These are the best players in the world and they'll adapt to the course as they play but the rough is going to be thick, the greens are going to be firm, it's going to test every ounce of your skill here to win this major," said Harn.
How awesome is this? Couple of drone shots of @MissionHillsCC1 host of the @Chevron_Golf, courtesy of @PGAproDH. Looks absolutely spectacular for golf’s first major! We will have coverage all week on @KESQ! @LPGA #RanchoMirage @Tarp1969 @BaileyKESQ @Jesus_G_Reyes @JohnWhiteKESQ pic.twitter.com/XbNzMHi9gK
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 28, 2022
These players are the best on the planet and without them there is no golf, no memorable moments, no product to sell. After all, this is a business. Sometimes hard decisions have to be made.
"The players are going to reap the benefit, which is good. These ladies are out there playing golf for a living - this is a career. And for Chevron to come in and say hey we're going to take care of you and up the purse and the only downfall is we're going to move it to Houston. But you know that's going to be better for Chevron and the tournament next year and hopefully the legacy continues. It's the first major of the LPGA and hopefully it stays iconic," said Harn.
Chevron is everywhere you look. Love the logo, hate that it’s moving to Houston. @Chevron_Golf @MissionHillsCC1 @KESQ @Jesus_G_Reyes @BaileyKESQ @Tarp1969 @Qassignmentdesk pic.twitter.com/hNsv4B70MQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 29, 2022
Is it sad it's leaving? Sure. We've gone through the name changes - on the tournament and on the trophy - but now we'll go through loss. Losing this tournament to Texas isn't easy but it is reality.
Luckily, legacy will always outlive loss. 51 years of memories will always be here at the tournament's true home.
