Golf HOFer NANCY LOPEZ this week became the first woman to receive the Byron Nelson Prize from the HP Byron Nelson Championship, given annually to a person who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship, integrity and philanthropy that Byron Nelson personified. This weekend she will be at the tournament in Irving, Texas, before heading back for her version of the weekend on Monday and Tuesday at home in Auburn, Ala. As an LPGA Touring Professional, Lopez is on the road for most of the year and cherishes the few moments she gets to spend with her three daughters.
SPA DAY: Most of the days with golf are Saturday and Sunday, so Friday I’ll probably be either learning some new exercises or maybe doing a cooking class. Maybe walking, it’s so darn hot there right now I don’t want to walk in 100 degree temperature. … I’m working and kind of enjoying the spa. I don’t really get to do that very often. This is the first time I’m making this visit. But I’ve got two days of golf with some of the ladies that are there for a week session. So I’ll be doing some golf and a little bit of question-and-answer thing on one of the days.
FREQUENT FLYER MILES: When I’m traveling, especially if I’m working, usually I don’t have a lot of time to do much. I usually go to dinner with a sponsor. … For me to have a vacation is really to be at home and relaxing and not having to do anything. I’m really not on a time schedule at home. It’s kind of nice not to have it.
ONE WOMAN SHOW: You have to be really organized when you travel as much as I do because if you don’t you can really fall behind on what needs to get done. Most of the time I get a lot of e-mails and a lot of business stuff going on, so I have to really stay into what’s going on down the road. ... I don’t have a secretary because to me it’s more work. I would rather do it myself and having to listen to a secretary tell me that I have to do this, I have these choices, then go back, then come back and call me and let me know what I can and can’t do. I just would rather make that one phone call, get it done and I get it then. I do a lot of stuff on my own because it takes less time and I just have to be very organized.
EAT YOUR PEAS AND CARROTS: I do a lot of grocery shopping. Love to grocery shop, it’s one of my favorite things to do. I like to go to the fresh markets. I think the older I get, the more I want to try and eat healthier because my body feels better. You know after you hit the ball around for some many years and walked hundreds of miles, everything hurts a lot more. So you’re always looking for something -- besides a pill -- to help you feel better and I think that eating better really makes a difference.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS: I love to do yard work if I have the chance. I love to get the broom out and sweep and clean off my porches. I’m a clean freak in that I like things picked up. I’m a neat freak also. I’ve eased up I think in my older age, but I’ve got a machine that I can pull the cord and I blow all the leaves all over the place.
