Editors' Blog Blogger Bio

Nancy's Courage

I just got off the phone with Nancy Lopez. I was interviewing her for an upcoming article about her pool workouts, which she's used to lose almost 40 pounds in the past year.

I've always admired Nancy (who hasn't?) but I came away from that interview with a new respect for her. After several years of semi-retirement, Nancy has returned to the LPGA Tour, competing against players decades younger than she is. She decided to come back because she's feeling physically better and wants to see how her 50-year-old body holds up--and because she just can't get the competitive bug out of her system.

She's competed in four tournaments so far, and has missed the cut in all of them. Not exactly a fairy tale plot line, but think about it: The woman who arguably remains the most popular woman golfer of all time puts her ego on the line--and comes up short. She goes out in front of thousands of fans and shoots in the low 80s...and keeps on doing it. And stays upbeat about it. And is taking her first swing lessons EVER from someone other than her late father because, as she told me:

"I'm very motivated to play and let next year be the year to see if I can really compete. I’m not discouraged, I know I have a long way to go. I have the desire to work hard and play and take the humiliation that I have taken. I've hit some bad shots, it's very humbling. The fans that come out, I don't want to disappoint them. I'm trying to find that 'Nancy swing' again."

When was the last time any of us took a risk like this? We're all so afraid of failing that we play it safe. Not Nancy Lopez. Here's hoping she finds that Nancy swing again.