ORLANDO, Fla. - Dottie Pepper will become a member of The Golf Channel’s on-air team in 2005, agreeing to a contract with the network that outlines her first official television assignment to follow her retirement at the end of the 2004 LPGA season.

“We’re extremely excited to have a great talent like Dottie join The Golf Channel team,” said Tony Tortorici, The Golf Channel’s executive producer. “She has the ability to energize a telecast with the same personality and enthusiasm she has always shown on the golf course.”

“I’m thrilled to be starting the next chapter in my career with The Golf Channel,” said Pepper. “They’ve become a leader in golf broadcasting and the opportunity to work both in the studio and at tournaments really appeals to me.”

Pepper was known as a fiery competitor during her 17 years on the LPGA Tour, and her career is distinguished with awards and accolades. She has recorded 17 career victories, including two major championships, and was a member of six Solheim Cup teams, where her patriotism and passion for the event were renowned. She enjoyed her most successful year in 1992, winning four times and leading the tour in scoring average and winnings.

She also won Rolex Player of the Year, the Vare Trophy and the Golf Writers Association of America’s Female Player of the Year award. In 2000, she was recognized during the LPGA’s 50th Anniversary as one of the LPGA’s top-50 players and teachers. She announced in July that chronic injuries forced her to cut short her playing career, just six points shy of the Hall of Fame.

In her new capacity, Pepper will serve as lead analyst for various tournament telecasts on The Golf Channel, including a majority of LPGA events. She also will contribute to other studio-based shows, including Golf Central, and Sprint Pre-Game and Sprint Post-Game.

The 39-year-old Saratoga Springs, N.Y., native currently resides in Jupiter, Fla.

For more information, please contact Matt Friedman at 407-355-4034.