Dottie Pepper: Life in Golf, as Player & Commentator. And when Tiger is playing, what to ‘Never Do’
Well this is very special. Dottie Pepper is a legend in the golfing world, a wonderful player with a stellar record, and a groundbreaking commentator and today for Hostplus, we’re hosting Dottie on Talk Birdie To Me.
We start with Nick and Mark asking Dottie to tell us how she got into golf as a youngster, and her story about how it started, given her Dad’s background as a Pro Baseball Player is fantastic. Her setup at home was pretty helpful!
Nick asks her about being the leading player on her high school team with one very important detail that makes it even more impressive. And Mark has always been interested to watch the leading amateurs in tournaments, and is keen to hear what that was like for Dottie as that amateur.
Dottie tells a great story about playing qualifying and making a significant error in the 9-holes she played….and how her sister contributed significantly to Dottie’s ‘breakthrough moment’.
Nick and Mark have said for some time that the Women should probably have only 4 majors, and they ask Dottie her view. She agrees – and names the tournament that she believes should be dropped as a Womens Major.
Mark observes that the womens game is so strong at the moment with the depths of fields fantastic, and asks Dottie if she agrees and, if so, why the womens’ game is so strong these days. She highlights one particularly player who she feels is particularly impressive.
After the turn, we chat about her commentary. Dottie explains how she developed her commentary approach and skills, and shares the advice she received from Mike Tirico and Judy Rankin which helped her.
Recently Aaron Rai wowed the world with his performance to win the PGA Championship, particularly on the final day, and Mark asks Dottie where that ranks in terms of the greatest golf she has seen played. She tells us….but…..she also tells an amazing story that we were unaware of about Aaron Rai’s Dad on the final day of that tournament!!!
Back to commentary. She was given some advice once about what never to do when commentating Tiger Woods….she shares that with us. Dottie also tells us a couple of great Tiger stories from her experiences with him, and she talks to us about what it was like being the first on course commentator at the 2020 Masters – quite the achievement!
And we wrap up a wonderful conversation with Dottie, for Hostplus, by finding out what her plans are for the next stage of life, whenever that may be. When the time comes to retire, what does she hope to do.
We are quite sure we speak for everyone when we say that we hope Dottie Pepper retiring is a long way off yet!!!
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Don't ever want to hear the name TIGER!! PILLPOPPER. WOMANIZER..JUST A SHITTY HUMAN BEING
The great thing about Dottie is that when she is out on the course commentating she never tries to make it about her but focuses completely on the golf in front of her .
Talk Birdie To Me with hosts Orel Hershiser & John Calipari. Lol. Enjoyed the interview with Dottie, she was a very good golfer and very feisty. I would compare her feistiness to Curtis Strange.
Love your on course commentary.
She's awesome!!!
One of the best to ever do it , as a player but especially as a commentator . Best in class in my 65 years as a golf fan . Way to go Dottie, and keep it up
Dottie is the Best 😊 !
Dottie is one of the fiercest competitors ever in the game, such an effective, gorgeous swing, loved watching her play. 😁
Dotties father played for the Toledo Mud Hens, so she has a Toledo connection with the Dana Open, founded by Jamie Farr
The question I would ask her is this. "Does the LPGA or the PGA tour have a responsibility to grow golf worldwide, as reflected in foreign tournaments sought? Or is she happy with the concentration of events held stateside at the present. And I welcome her to comment here if she cares to.
Dottie is considered ROYALTY in the game of GOLF! She instinctively makes comments and observations that are positive difference makers and she does it all with great humility. God Bless this wonderful woman!
Dottie doesn’t receive the credit she has earned. She is one of the best commentators in sports! Cheers!!
Love her insights and commentary.
One of the best broadcasters in the golf business. Dottie Pepper is intelligent, knowledgeable
and has a sense of humor. Great combination for a broadcaster.
Dottie, You are the best female commentator in any sport. I only wish that the female commentators in pro basketball had to first go to a "Dottie Pepper camp." Your voice is calm. You say a few words and then let the action speak for itself. You do not talk on and on and talk over the action. I have respected your work for many years and wish you much continued success.
She’s so good at her current craft, that she’s become part of scenery of the moments in front of her. In other words, you don’t realize she’s there, but if she wasn’t, you would notice that a huge part of what you’re watching is missing. That said, there are many sports announcers who become so much part of the scenery that you just want to hit the mute button. Dottie, you are the best !
I admire the fire that still burns in her as a golfer. Love her
Dottie is the best! got to raise my door trim to store my extra irons…
I turned off golf due to Prince Tiger Woods. Way too much drama and a poor role model. Also due to foolish Jim Nantz who must be paid to say Woods name, needs to basically shut up. Tiger Woods is a shameful person….stop promoting him.
I love to hear Dottie analyze shots when she is following players around the course. She really does a great job.
Oh, Dottie. I’ve watched you since you were Mocherie…Used to serve Amy Allcot at Brookside in Pasadena. I have Amy’s pin when she was inducted in the hall of fame…I’m 84 and getting ready to play Buenaventura tomorrow…
Dottie's such a lovely person. She's smart, knows the game, and has never been afraid to call it like it is.
I watched her play a few times in New England. At one round she was tied for the lead with a very nervous rookie. They were on the green ready to putt. The rookie marked her ball out of Dottie’s line and forgot to replace it. Dottie reminded her saving her a penalty. Classy lady.
Where does the better play come from? Fear, most of the top players are Asian and in that culture you better not fail!
As someone who does not hold incapable analysts in high regard, I find Dottie Pepper to be among the very best if not the best analyst in the game. She's been a top player, she's explains the game fluently and she uses wit, intellect & brevity to excel.
Boooring….She's just another smart ass NBC commentator.
Why will no one admit that the LPGA would be limping badly without the Asian invasion?
Dottie Pepper is the gold standard when it comes to golf commentary… the very best and she can still play the game very well … this is talent … period. 👍
She,is the best commentator golf…love when she gives yardage and what club they r hitting. Shes great