The Hindu : Sport / Golf : Dottie Pepper calls it quits

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 02, 2004

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Sport - Golf

Dottie Pepper calls it quits

SOUTH HADLEY (USA), JULY 1. Dottie Pepper is retiring from the American women's golf tour because of ongoing injuries, ending a career best known for two major championships and the patriotism and passion she brought to the Solheim Cup. Pepper, 38, was overcome by emotion as she tried to announce her retirement from the LPGA.

``When your body says `no,' it doesn't matter how big your heart is,'' she said. Pepper had to withdraw from the last two U.S. women's Opens because of injuries in her back and neck. The U.S. Golf Association gave her an exemption this year, but she had to withdraw on Monday with a pinched nerve that caused numbness in her face.

"Injuries have made a game that was really fun a job,'' she said.

Pepper will work as a television commentator at the Women's Open this week, and is looking for more broadcast opportunities. She also is trying to start a charity event near Saratoga Springs, New York, where she grew up, and is looking into an apparel business where she now lives in South Florida. She said she will fulfil contract by playing six more LPGA events this year.

Pepper's 17 career victories include two majors, in 1992 and 1999 at the Nabisco Dinah Shore.

Pepper ends her career six points short of the LPGA Hall of Fame. — AP

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