Nancy Lopez mocked her age, reminisced about college, bemoaned a shaky putter and even gave one of her young playing partners an impromptu rules lesson.
After her round, reality set in.
Lopez, 44, a Hall of Famer with 48 victories on the LPGA Tour, failed to earn a spot in the U.S. Women’s Open during sectional qualifying Tuesday in Duluth, Ga.
“I would like to be there,” said Lopez, who wept after shooting a dismal 6-over-par 78. “I’ll just have to find something else to do.”
Lopez, perhaps the most influential player in the history of women’s golf, missed the cutoff by four strokes. She hit her first shot out of bounds, took a bogey and struggled through a birdieless round.
“It does hurt,” Lopez said, with reddened eyes and barely able to compose herself. “I really wanted to play well today. I’m disappointed about not playing well.”
Lopez was forced to take part in sectional qualifying when the U.S. Golf Association declined to give her an exemption for the third year in a row.
Say what?
`Those who know me know I’m a comedian.’
–Shaquille O’Neal, apologizing for saying on a radio show that he had sex with Cindy Crawford, Venus Williams, Aaliyah and other celebrities.
