Chevron Championship's Pond Jump Tradition Continues with Temporary Pool Despite Venue Change

Preserving a 38-Year Golf Tradition Against All Odds

The 2026 Chevron Championship faces a unique challenge: maintaining the iconic pond jump tradition at Memorial Park, a municipal course without water on the 18th hole. Tournament organizers constructed a temporary 15-by-10-foot plunge pool to preserve this beloved ceremony that began when Amy Alcott spontaneously jumped into a pond after her 1988 victory.

From Organic Moment to Cherished Tradition

What started as an impromptu celebration has become one of golf's most distinctive traditions. The championship has moved multiple times—from California to Texas—but players consistently demanded the pond jump's preservation. At Carlton Woods, organizers even added alligator netting for peace of mind.

Player Perspectives on Tradition

Stacy Lewis, the 2011 champion, emphasizes the tradition's emotional impact: "I don't remember getting the trophy, but I remember the jump and how cold that water was." Current star Nelly Korda supports the temporary solution, stating that "once you kill a tradition, it's killed forever."

Future-Proofing the Legacy

While the makeshift pool has drawn some criticism, course architect Tom Doak will redesign the 18th hole with a permanent pond after 2026. This demonstrates how golf's governing bodies can balance logistical challenges with tradition preservation, ensuring that meaningful ceremonies continue to tell the sport's story.