WHEW, I MADE IT: 18 PGA TOUR EVENTS, 2 MAJORS, 1 LPGA EVENT, AND THE SOLHEIM CUP.
Whew!
I made it!
22 tournaments including 2 major championships, 18 PGA Tour events, 1 LPGA event and the Solheim Cup.
Oh, and a book launch, too!
It was certainly a year to remember for the CBS golf team. A new lead producer, upgraded technology and communication, coordination with the PGA Tour on rules situations that happen while we are on the air— all of it made for hard working, fast paced FUN. We weren’t 2 minutes into our new season when the new rules relationship paid off and put all eyes on Patrick Reed taking a drop for an embedded ball! That relationship paid dividends all year long, ending with a clear decision about how to safely navigate Tropical Storm Henri as it dumped 9 inches of rain in the first playoff event, cancelling Sunday’s play and and moving the final round to Monday with a playoff to boot.
Dottie promoting “Letters to a Future Champion” at the PGA Championship.
Did someone say playoff? Oh, right! We had 7 playoffs on our air, capped by the 8 hole thriller won by Harris English at The Travelers and a bizarre 6 man, 2 hole playoff at The Wyndham Championship won by Kevin Kisner. What did I learn from both of those extended sessions: take a bathroom break when you have the chance after regulation play has ended. Ouch!
Our two major championships were thrillers, each in their own way, with Japan finally getting a major champion to call its own in Hideki Matsuyama and Phil Mickelson at the PGA— oldest major champion ever. And I had a front row seat to both. Actually, I wish I had a seat at Kiawah Island instead of fighting through the wild throng of humanity to reach the final green, but it was one to never forget.
Being back with the LPGA for CBS’ final round at the Dow team event was a reminder of how much I enjoy covering the women’s game and of the immense talent (and length!) the athletes on that tour possess. If you get a chance to go to an LPGA event, do it! A new event in Cincinnati beginning in ’22 has already been announced by Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan and the future of women’s golf worldwide is a “buy” with the Europeans winning the Solheim Cup again and for just the second time in history, on American soil.
Lastly, I thank all of you for your support of “Letters to a Future Champion.” Now that my televised golf season is over for the year, plans are in the works to take the Mr. Pulver’s message of resilience, mentorship and what has really become the “gospel of golf” to new audiences, in new places. Having printed a second run already has been gratifying, inspiring and also slightly terrifying. I am so grateful to each of you, not only for your purchases, but for taking the time to share your experiences while reading the book, many of which are reconnecting with your past mentors and taking Mr. Pulver’s tips to your own practice sessions.
Continue to be safe and will look forward to sharing more with you as we get through the fall and early winter.
- Dottie
