Golf legend Nancy Lopez will be the keynote speaker at the 2006 Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Education Conference opening session, 9 a.m., Feb. 9, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.
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One of the most celebrated players in women’s golf, Lopez began playing golf at the age of eight under the guidance of her father, Domingo, and turned professional after her sophomore year of college. She was named player of the year by the Ladies Professional Golf Association four times (1978-79, 1985 and 1988) and was inducted into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame in 1987 when she was 30 years old.
The 2000 recipient of GCSAA’s highest honor, the Old Tom Morris Award, Lopez was the captain of the victorious 2005 U.S. Solheim Cup Team and has 48 LPGA Tour victories to her name. Lopez’s appearance at the GCSAA Education Conference opening session will be in a question-and-answer format where attendees will have the opportunity to query her.
Among her many honors, Lopez was named “Golfer of the Decade” by GOLF Magazine (1978-87) and was inducted into the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame in 1989. She was awarded the 1992 Flo Hyman Award by the Women’s Sports Foundation and was the recipient of the USGA’s 1998 Bob Jones Award to recognize distinguished sportsmanship in the game of golf. She received the 2000 William D. Richardson Award from the Golf Writers Association of America, was named to Hispanic Business magazine’s list of 80 Elite Hispanic Women in 2003 and was presented with the 2003 Billie Jean King Contribution Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation. Her most recent endeavors in the golf industry have been in the areas of course design and in broadcasting with The Golf Channel.
Lopez is part of a high-profile list of speakers who will appear during the week. Joining her at the opening session will be Joe Duich, Ph.D., professor emeritus at Pennsylvania State University. He will receive the 2006 Old Tom Morris Award.
The Golf Industry Show general session, 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., Feb. 10, will feature a presentation by Marcus Buckingham. Recognized as a prominent author, speaker and business consultant, Buckingham specializes in inspiring people to find their strengths and long-lasting personal success.
The president’s celebration, 6 p.m., Feb. 11, will mark the passing of the gavel by GCSAA President Tim O’Neill, CGCS. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will provide music and entertainment.
Prospective GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show attendees may register online at www.golfindustryshow.com or through faxback services at 888-838-4419. Advance registration is open until Jan. 17.