Sally Dodge got an early start on the game of golf and has loved it dearly ever since. “My parents taught me how to play golf when I was 9 years old," recalls Dodge, also known as "the Dodger" among her friends and colleagues. "I immediately fell in love with the game.” A talented player for many years as a student and amateur, Dodge went on to win the 1972 Pasatiempo Women's Golf Club Championship.

Dodge also qualified for and played in the 1975 U.S. Women’s Open at Atlantic City Country Club. "It was an unforgettable and wonderful experience for me,” she remembers. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Business Administration, Dodge went on to work in corporate America for a few years. She also attempted to qualify for the LPGA Tour five times but fell short. She turned to the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Division and became a Class A Professional in 1977. 

“It definitely was the right decision for me because an opportunity came up for me to work at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 1976, and I have happily been there ever since," notes Dodge, who was named the LPGA Western Section Professional of the Year in 1994. Just two years after that, she earned Master Professional status and is one of only 63 LPGA teaching professionals worldwide to hold that distinction. Dodge was recognized in 2001 by Golf for Women magazine as one of the top 50 teaching professionals in America and most recently named to the LPGA's Top 50 Teachers list for 2008.

Having taught the game for over 32 years, Dodge has seen literally thousands of golf swings. Her main goal with each student is to make a positive impact on his or her game and make sure they are happy with the results. She enjoys adding insight for women golfers who attend LPGA Golf Clinics for Women; Dodge has provided instruction at numerous west coast Clinics over the years.

Dodge is right at home on the lesson tee or the first tee at her favorite course of all time, Pebble Beach. "I have met many famous people here that I would not have met anywhere else and enjoyed many great tournaments here," smiles Dodge. "The U.S. Opens, the Crosby Tournament to name a couple.” Dodge was the first female teaching professional hired by Pebble Beach and she has played almost 100 rounds there. She recalls one in particular with Susan Reed, former Editor-in-Chief of Golf for Women Magazine, who was writing an article about the famed course.

"I made a hole-in-one on the 5th hole!" exclaims Dodge, declaring that her most memorable shot ever. "I personally enjoy playing Pebble Beach because of its beauty and challenging holes. It is my favorite course." In a recent article on lpgagolfclinicsforwomen.com about women-friendly courses, Dodge told us why Pebble Beach is one of the most coveted tee times:

Pebble Beach ranks #19 on the top 50 women-friendly courses in the U.S. (as rated by Golf for Women/Golf Digest). Why do you think your golf course achieved such a high rating?
Pebble Beach has always welcomed women golfers and gives them excellent customer service. The course yardage from the front tees (5,198) gives them more enjoyable golfing experiences. They also have access to a female professional for golf instruction. 

What reactions do you get from your female golfers after playing the course?
Most women are surprised that it is not as difficult as they thought due to shorter yardage, but that doesn’t take away from the challenge of the golf course. They are very impressed by the beautiful scenery and the excellent condition of the golf course. 

What is the most popular comment from first time golfers at Pebble Beach after the round?
“The course record is safe.”

What do you say to golfers who've never played the course - what is the most compelling reason in your mind to come play it? 
I tell them that playing golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links is a “once in a lifetime” experience and is one of the few famous U.S. Open tournament courses that is available to the public.

Describe the signature hole - what makes it so distinctive? How do women typically fare on this hole?
I would say the 18^th hole is the signature hole at Pebble Beach. As you approach the green, thoughts of previous great tournaments and famous golfers come to mind and you can imagine yourself in the footsteps of these famous golfers. You also have a unique gallery watching from the bay along the left side of the fairway (Sea Otters and Sea Lions).