In town for the LPGA Portland Classic tournament that she won four times (1979, 1985, 1987, 1992), golf legend Nancy Lopez visited our office on Aug. 29 and spoke to Cambia's Women's Employee Leadership Lab (WELL), one of Cambia's Employee Resource Groups. Even now, Nancy says she has a special place in her heart for the Portland Classic, a tournament that has been around since her career began.
Nancy Lopez has been a member of the LPGA for nearly 40 years, winning almost 50 LPGA tournaments, including major championships during her esteemed career. In 1978 she had the greatest rookie season in golf history, was the first woman to be named LPGA player of the year, was referred to by Sports Illustrated as an American Idol and was on their cover—all at the age of 21.
But what is truly important to note about Nancy is the example she sets as a leader, an athlete, and as a human being. She shared her story and perspective with Cambia employees, recounting how she started walking the municipal golf course with her parents at age 8 and eventually went on to play on the boys’ golf team at her high school in Roswell, New Mexico.
“There weren’t a lot of opportunities for Hispanics,” said Nancy, but her father, who ran his own auto body shop in town always told her: “You can be whatever you want to be.”
As her professional golf career took off and she started a family of her own, she recalled that being a mom and a professional athlete motivated her to be the very best golfer she could possibly be—the sacrifice to her family wasn’t worth it if she wasn’t on top of her game.
Today, the LPGA provides child care to moms on the tour, but when Nancy was at the height of her golf career, she brought her children with her and hired a nanny to care for them while she played. Nancy, whose daughters are now 33, 31 and 25, said, “My kids didn’t have a normal life but they knew they were loved with all of my heart. I’m very close to them, and I’m humbled today how they really respect and admire me.”
Looking back at her career and where she is today as a Hall of Famer, mother and leader in the world of sports, Nancy shared some of the lessons of her life and career during her visit to Cambia:
Women’s leadership
“I always encouraged my daughters to be leaders. I told them, you have to step up. It’s important to contribute, to be strong and to be smart.”
A positive legacy
“When I was 15, my dad took me a golf tournament in LA to meet my favorite player who was a hero to me. When we got there, I heard him say he didn’t have time to give autographs, and I thought to myself: if I ever turn professional, I’ll never do that to anyone. My legacy is not to be known as one of the best players, but as one of the nicest."
Play happy
“When I hit a bad shot, it’s just a bad shot. I always think of people and kids who are less fortunate than me. It’s important for me for women and men to enjoy this great game and not get negative.”
Looking ahead after loss
“Life is tough but there’s always something to look forward to. That always helped me in golf. Even after bad shot, I started thinking about how good the next shot would be. I’ve gotten through life with this attitude.”
The 46th year of the Portland Classic women’s golf tournament runs Thursday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 3. Visit www.portlandclassic.com for a schedule of events and come out to enjoy an event for the entire community.
