On June 26th, the LPGA and Dow put a new marker down with the Dow Impact Award, an honor that recognizes players not just for the tournament trophies they collect but for the reach of their work away from the tour.

I've picked up my share of Titleist Pro V1s and Srixon Z-STARs. Balls lost and found like trophies from roughs and water hazards. I keep a handful in my bag, pulling them out when I'm convinced my slice has checked out for good. Call it superstition, but those balls start feeling like more than just urethane. But now, I have a new favorite: Champ. Or Champy, as Marie and I call him, the mascot of The Dow Championship.