NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Gaby Lopez enjoys keeping a journal. During her golf career, she is estimated to have gone through 12 notebooks, including three this season.
Lopez remarked, “I journal pretty much every day.” “You know, I want to go back to where I was struggling and see what I did to get out of it.” I like to look back and see what I was doing when I was playing well or mentally strong. I simply enjoy questioning myself all of the time.”
On Saturday evening, she’ll have much to write about.
Lopez played a 3-under 69 to finish the CME Group Tour Championship at 13 under par, one shot behind Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko in a four-way tie for the lead. But it was her final round at Tiburon Golf Club that drew the most attention: double bogey, eagle, and bogey.
In addition to that, there was the “terrible,” par-3 16th hole tee shot. Lopez then shot a “amazing” drive and 5-iron to set up a long eagle putt on the par-5 17th hole, celebrating with a massive fist pump and roar. Finally, Lopez found the water with her approach at the par-4 18th hole, but she got up and down to save bogey, a score that Lopez considered a birdie.
“You know, all day long, I tried to keep cool,” Lopez remarked. “Throughout the tournament, I attempted to maintain a calm demeanor. When I bring this emotion up, I can’t seem to stop myself. I feel like I dragged [my 17th birthday celebration] into 18. It was difficult to maintain composure. But, at the same time, it’s something I really enjoy about my game, something I really enjoy. I’m confident that I’ll benefit from it. I’m confident that the next time I have to settle down, I’ll be prepared. It is, however, exciting. This is an excellent opportunity for me. I enjoy watching myself develop.
The prospect of being able to shoot exactly the shots I’ve been dreaming of, thinking, and visualizing for years is exhilarating.
Wanting, seeing, visualizing, and writing are all words that come to mind when I think of anything I want.
