ANA Inspiration LPGA Tour Event

When the ANA Inspiration returns in April, it will mark the 50th anniversary of this important major LPGA tournament at the Dinah Shore Tournament course at Mission Hills Country Club. Even non-golfers know this tournament, made famous by Amy Alcott’s jump into Poppie’s Pond in 1988, a celebratory act repeated by champions ever since. A full field of top international golfers is expected, but as with last year’s tournament, this special 50th Anniversary edition will be going ahead without spectators due to COVID-19 related restrictions following close collaboration with partners ANA, the LPGA, the City of Rancho Mirage, Mission Hills Country Club and in consultation with the Riverside County Health Department, following the State of California Public Health Department guidelines.

With no onsite hospitality possible this year, tournament organizers have taken this unique opportunity, coinciding with 50th Anniversary celebrations, to play the famous 18th island green surrounded by the famous Poppie’s Pond in its purest state. As far as the records show, the world’s best golfers will be approaching the 18th green just as the competitors would have encountered it in its inaugural edition in 1972, clear of any hospitality units or branding.