Former Razorback Stacy Lewis is fresh off a second place finish at the U.S. Open and now she's coming back home to Rogers. The Walmart NWA Championship is her favorite tournament to play every year because of all the familiar faces.
One of those is current Arkansas golfer Gaby Lopez. She's in the tournament thanks to a sponsor’s exemption, and on Tuesday she reaped the benefits playing a practice round with Lewis.
“She's a role model for me,” Lopez said. “She's one of the best players I've ever met as a personality. I try to be with her and be like her in every single sense.”
It's becoming a Razorback tradition. For the second straight year it was "Stacy and Gaby Tuesday" at the NWA Championship. For one it's a chance to be a mentor, for the other a chance to learn from the best.
“I love the way she thinks around the golf course," said Lopez. "Every time I play with her I learn something new.”
Last year Lopez failed to make the cut at this event, but now she's a year older and a year wiser. Making the cut seems like a strong possibility.
“I feel very sharp and smarter than last year. I have a little more experience and am comfortable with the professionals and everyone. I think it's a key.”