The Pepper Mill

Bye-bye, Ballesteros
Seve Ballesteros's retirement hit me hard. Seve was at his flamboyant best during my formative years, and I remember being glued to the television during every Open Championship. I'd watch him play all morning, then ride my bike to the club and stay there until dark trying to emulate his address position and figure out how he hit those seemingly impossible shots from around the greens. When the Women's British Open was first played at Royal Lytham & St. Annes (1998), I walked out to the car park where he played his hero shot in 1979, and I got goose bumps. His passion and creativity captivated a world audience, and he alone was responsible for the rebirth of the Ryder Cup. His patriotism, support of his teammates, pride and touches of gamesmanship helped revive the event and laid the foundation for my feelings about the Solheim Cup. He gave so much life to the game, and he'll be missed.

Futures Market
After toying with the idea for more than a decade, the LPGA finally acquired the Futures tour. This is a great move. As a former Futures player--I won a Futures event as an amateur--I can attest that there's no better place to learn your trade than in real-world situations. I learned how to travel, how to hit shots under real pressure and how to be responsible for myself as a professional athlete and a businessperson. The move allows the LPGA to control its product in international markets and to reach any size market domestically. It was worth the wait.

'Roid Rage
Gary Player's steroid comments were bizarre. To bring this issue to the forefront during the game's oldest championship but then hide behind an oath of supposed secrecy is almost unthinkable, especially from someone like Player, to whom the honor of the game is so important. The issue is being addressed by the world's golf organizations, and I believe that ultimately a unified policy for testing and penalties will be put in place. Until those decisions are final, either name names or wait until the process now being set in motion weeds out any violators.

Dottie Pepper, a 17-year veteran of the LPGA tour and an analyst for NBC and Golf Channel, welcomes questions at dottie@siletters.com.