With her powerful swing and undeniable precision, longtime golfer Nancy Lopez plays the game like a girl — something the fellas would love to do. Lopez was a formidable force in the sport, winning 48 LPGA events during her illustrious career, including three major championships. Today, she remains an icon to golf enthusiasts and sports lovers across the globe.
As a child, Lopez’s talent was impossible to deny. Her father spotted her ability early on, and inevitably, playing golf with her dad transformed into more than a family pastime. By age 12, Lopez won the Mexico Women’s Amateur tournament and went on to win several amateur titles. She won the U.S. Girls’ Junior in 1972 and then again in 1974. She was only 17 years old.
Her continuous success was a precursor for her future in golf. Lopez solidified her status as a professional golfer in the ’70s and ’80s. During the span of both decades, she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, tapped as the LPGA Rookie of the Year, and named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, twice.
Yet, the most prestigious win eluded Lopez.
She never won the U.S. Women's Open, although she did finish an impressive second four times. Still, her contribution to golf did not go unacknowledged; she became the first woman to receive the Francis Ouimet Award.
Today, Lopez resides in neighboring Florida. She dedicates much of her time to the community and holds an annual golf tournament that includes children and adults with special needs.
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