Lopez featured at women’s event at Toshiba Classic
NEWPORT BEACH — More than 250 women gathered for a sold-out event that featured LPGA Tour Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez Thursday at the Toshiba Classic at Newport Beach Country Club.
Lopez was the keynote speaker for Women’s Business Day presented by UPS and also conducted a clinic with a little bit of help from Champions Tour pro Corey Pavin on hole No. 10.
Lopez offered golf tips and also delivered helpful lessons.
The 48-time LPGA Tour winner made the rounds with media before attending the luncheon.
She talked about providing a program based on simple tasks and good practice habits.
“My major lesson or the first point I’m going to give them is make sure and keep your eye on the back of the ball,” Lopez said. “And when you do that it helps you to keep your weight where it should be and then at impact if your eyes are still on the back of the ball your weight is where it should be, and then you, of course, swing your target.”
Lopez, 56, who plays on the women’s Legends Tour, said she keeps in mind the fundamentals and strives to remain competitive at her age. She said she knows she can be competitive, but sometimes it’s natural to think of other parts of her life, or just what she’ll be doing the next day.
She is divorced but mentioned she has a boyfriend while talking about golf. She also has a baby granddaughter and three grown-up daughters that keep her busy.
In addition to competing, Lopez does her best to make herself available for charity events and golf clinics. She also has her own line of equipment products for women.
“I love it,” Lopez said of conducting clinics. “It’s fun to watch people learn the game, and if they pick up one thing that can help their game get a little bit better, it’s just fun to watch that.”
Twitter: @SteveVirgen