Hall of Fame LPGA legend returned for fundraising tournament
LAREDO, Tex. (Jan. 17, 2019) – The MAX, Laredo’s award-winning golf course designed by distinguished architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., hosted the second Nancy Lopez Scholarship Invitational on Sept 26. Five years ago, Lopez was a special guest of the City of Laredo when the new clubhouse was unveiled and the intent to establish a Nancy Lopez Scholarship fund for two high school golf team members (boy and girl) was announced.
The recipients of the 2018 grants were Gabriela Contreras (United South High School golf team, United ISD) and Felix Gamez (Raymond and Tirza Martin High School golf team, Laredo ISD). Both high school students embodied the scholarship criteria, expressed themselves in a written essay and were selected by a scholarship award committee. Each was presented with a significant check by Lopez, the City of Laredo, Landscapes Unlimited and AEP Texas following the golf tournament.
“We were excited and pleased to welcome back our Madrina of The MAX golf course, Nancy Lopez,” said Horacio De Leon, city manager of the City of Laredo. “She has generously shared her love of the game with our community and especially our youth since 2013. We celebrate the progress of this public quality of life enhancement project and her professional athletic career every time we get together.
“And this time is no different; I hope that Gabriela and Felix will carry her positive influence as they endeavor to achieve their higher educational goals.”
“Nancy is a great golfer but even a greater person,” said Dennis Gutierrez, general manager of The MAX. “We love having her visit as she brings a smile to us all.”
About The MAX
The challenging Robert Trent Jones II Signature Design par-72 course sits on 270 scenic acres along the Rio Grande and it caters to golfers of all ability levels, with five sets of tees available and yardages ranging from 7,069 from the back tees to 4,759 for the forward tees.
A provision has been made for competitive tournament tees to be extended to 7,297 yards, and a dedicated “juniors” teeing area on each hole is incorporated to increase enjoyment for family play.
The MAX has been recognized by GOLF magazine and Golfweek as a top municipal facility. For tee times or additional information about The MAX, call (956) 726-2000 or visit www.themaxlaredo.com.
