The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES — Nothing was going to dim the love affair that has lasted 25 years.

Not even a light fog that swirled around the Lopez Legacy Country Club on Monday morning could mask the twinkling smile and the bright eyes.

Nancy Lopez walked through the almost endless row of 68 golf carts parked next to the golf course that carries her name.

She stopped at every one.

“Have fun, we’ll see you out there,’’ she said amid hugs and handshakes.

She meant every word.

For the last quarter-century, Lopez has been the celebrity face of AIM, a charitable organization that offers comfort and hope to children who are fighting disabilities that keep them from having what every child should have as a basic right — the ability to run and play.

But make no mistake; she’s more than just a front for the organization.

She’s its heart.

And when Nancy calls for help, her friends answer.

Vince Gill, the country-music star who, along with wife, Amy Grant, entertained 7,000 fans at a Sunday concert at The Villages Polo Club, played in the tournament.

So did former baseball major-league World Series MVP and manager Ray Knight — who happens to be married to Lopez.

Chris DiMarco, the hero of the U.S. win in the Presidents Cup three weeks ago, also joined Lopez in roaming the course, stopping to say hello to every group, and even hitting a few shots with some.

But the 136 players came because of Nancy.

“I love this,’’ she said, returning the favor to the legion of club-swinging Villagers and guests who have made the tournament an annual success. “It’s getting bigger every year — and that makes it a problem to spend as much time with these wonderful people as I would like.’’

Not that she didn’t try.

Patrick Leahy, director of The Villages Golf Academy, acted as Lopez’s chauffeur and caddie. He also was in charge of keeping her on schedule in the quest to shake every hand, hug every neck and pose for every photograph.

Talk about an impossible job.

“I keep telling her she has to get in the cart, that we have to go,’’ Leahy said. “But she just loves everyone so much — and they love her back so much — that she just can’t pull herself away.

“She would stay out here forever,’’ he said.

And the people would have stayed with her.

“These people are just so giving,’’ Lopez said. “You ask them for something, and they give you their heart.

“It’s like Vince and Amy yesterday at their concert. They are just angels. They are the people you want in your life. Vince is just like my husband. He’s a big ole Teddy Bear.’’

Takes one to know one.

“God gave me this talent,’’ she said, referring to the golf career that made her not only the most powerful figure in the world of women’s golf, but also its most loved, “and it is my job to give back. I’m just sorry that I don’t have the time to give more.

“But what we — and all these wonderful people — are doing here today is so very important,” Lopez said.

“Every child needs to be loved, and these people realize that. When I see how they support what we are doing, it brings a tear to my eye,” she said. “I hope we’re going to be a part of The Villages forever.’’

If the way she was greeted by those in attendance Monday is any indication, they will.

As Lopez and DiMarco made stops across the course, nearly every player wanted to talk to them about the Solheim Cup, where Lopez, as captain, led the U.S. team to victory, or the Presidents Cup, where DiMarco was the biggest American hero.

“Out whole team is still having withdrawal,’’ Lopez said, stopping once to take a phone call from assistant U.S. captain Donna Caponi. “When we left the Solheim Cup, I felt like I had just broken up with someone. I think I got closer to golf watching them play than I ever did when I was playing. I could feel it more.’’

DiMarco, who drove to The Villages for the charity event from his home near Orlando, also found himself accepting congratulations for his play in the Presidents Cup.

“Were you nervous over that last putt?’’ he was asked about the winning stroke on the last green of his match with Stuart Appleby.

“Not nervous — well maybe a little,’’ he said. “But more than nervous, I was excited about having the opportunity to make that putt.’’

And he loved every minute and every question — well, almost.

When he and Lopez would greet each group for a photo shoot, the men always wanted to stand next to Nancy.

“I’ll be all right when we get to a group of women,’’ DiMarco said. “At least I hope so.’’

He was.

And even given the idea that charity was the main reason for the day, it was still golf and all that goes with it.

In one group, Lopez offered to help out one foursome of guys by hitting their drive in the scramble format. She asked for a ball and one of the men handed her a pink-colored one.

“I don’t play with pink balls,’’ she said, her eyes flashing in mock anger. He quickly handed her a white one that she promptly ripped right down the middle.

In another group, she hit her drive off the toe of her club, sending it into the right rough.

“We could do that,’’ one of the players said, poking fun at the legend.

“I’ll take my mulligan,’’ Lopez replied before killing another drive that split the fairway. “You can play that one.’’

DiMarco even found a kindred spirit in fellow “Gator Nation” resident Frank Stivender, who was representing Citizens First Bank in the tournament.

The two University of Florida fans even had a contest to see which was sporting the most U of F logos on their golf equipment. DiMarco won 5-3.

By the time the round ended, the fog had lifted and the day was bathed in sunshine.

It had been a perfect day in a perfect place for a perfect reason.

“I’ve had a great life,’’ Lopez said. “And the thanks for that go to my mom and dad. They gave me everything, including the opportunity to be what I’ve become today.

“Giving is what’s important,’’ she said.