Nancy Lopez
January 6, 1957
A Golfing Legend
The first Hispanic player to compete on the LPGA Tour.
She won the New Mexico Women’s Amateur at age 12 in 1969, and the U.S. Girls’ Junior in 1972 and 1974, at ages 15 and 17, respectively.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Born on January 6, 1957, Nancy Marie Lopez is an American former professional golfer whose journey to greatness began with remarkable achievements in her amateur career. At the tender age of 12, in 1969, she secured victory at the New Mexico Women’s Amateur, marking the start of a stellar golfing odyssey. Her talent blossomed further as she clinched consecutive U.S. Girls’ Junior titles in 1972 and 1974 at ages 15 and 17, respectively. Nancy’s amateur prowess led her to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open twice as an amateur in 1974 and 1975, even securing a tie for second place in the latter.
Collegiate Success and Transition to Professional Golf
In 1976, while just a collegiate freshman, Lopez achieved accolades, earning recognition as an All-American and Female Athlete of the Year at the University of Tulsa. During that year, she also triumphed at the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) national intercollegiate golf championship and represented her country as a member of the U.S. Curtis Cup and World Amateur teams. Following her sophomore year, Lopez made the pivotal decision to turn professional in 1977, immediately asserting herself on the LPGA Tour.
Pioneering Success in Professional Golf
Nancy Lopez’s professional debut in 1978 left an indelible mark, with a remarkable nine tournament victories, including five consecutive wins. Her prodigious talent and achievements earned her a place on the cover of Sports Illustrated, along with the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average, LPGA Rookie of the Year, and the prestigious title of LPGA Player of the Year. She continued to shine with another eight victories in 1979 and maintained her winning form in the early 1980s. Even motherhood, with the birth of her first child, couldn’t deter her success as she clinched multiple wins in 1987–89. In 1985, her full-time return to the sport yielded five wins, and she dominated by securing the money title, scoring title, and Player of the Year Award.
Legacy and Awards
Lopez’s legacy in women’s golf was solidified by her remarkable record of three major championship victories, all at the LPGA Championship, in 1978, 1985, and 1989. She has been a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee since 1987, a testament to her greatness in the sport. Additionally, she captained the United States Solheim Cup team in 2005, showcasing her leadership on and off the course.
A Life Beyond Golf
Outside the golf course, Lopez has led a fulfilling life. She has been married three times, including to Major League All-Star baseball player Ray Knight. Her charitable contributions are equally notable, as she hosts the Nancy Lopez Hospice Golf Classic and an annual golf tournament benefiting the charity AIM (Adventures in Movement). Lopez’s enduring impact on golf and her commitment to making a difference beyond the fairways are a testament to her status as a true legend of the sport.
Amateur Wins
Nancy Lopez’s amateur career was marked by numerous victories, including the New Mexico Women’s Amateur titles in 1969, 1970, and 1971, and the U.S. Girls’ Junior championships in 1972 and 1974. She also excelled in the Women’s Western Junior, securing victories in 1972, 1973, and 1976. Her remarkable journey continued with the Mexican Amateur title in 1975 and a triumphant run in the AIAW National Championship, Women’s Western Amateur, and Women’s Trans National Amateur in 1976. Nancy Lopez’s amateur achievements set the stage for her legendary professional career in golf.
Nancy Lopez, a name synonymous with excellence in golf, left an indelible mark on the sport with her unwavering commitment to greatness. From her early amateur triumphs to her dominance on the professional stage, she became an icon of women’s golf. Her legacy extends far beyond fairways and greens, encompassing leadership, philanthropy, and a lasting impact on the game she loves.