Lopez dissed by Bob Hope Classic

George Lopez could have made a bigger deal out of the ill treatment he got from the committee of the Bob Hope Classic, but unlike the committee, he had too much class.

For the past few years, Lopez worked tirelessly as the official host of the Tours’ only 90-hole celebrity-amateur tournament. He called in markers with his celebrity friends to have them come out and play in the event. He begged celebrities that didn’t owe him a favor. Once they got there he spoiled them rotten.

Lopez was also instrumental in improving the quality of the professional. On his own expense, he would go to tournaments to personally recruit players for the Hope. While patrolling the practice range, he’d usually put on impromptu walking stand up act. He loved the tournament and was totally dedicated to it.

Late last year, he received a two-minute phone call from a committee member informing him that his voluntary services were no longer needed. A quick thank you was added, followed by a good bye.

To be honest, replacing Lopez with Arnold Palmer makes the situation more palatable. It’s the 50th anniversary of the tournament and Arnold won the first event and won the last of his 62 Tour wins at the Hope as well as three in between. Palmer definitely has history on his side.

So, why couldn’t be the Bob Hope Classic hosted by Arnold Palmer with George Lopez. Lopez certainly would gladly take a back seat to Palmer. He gets it.

What no one gets is why the hasty replacement without the courtesy of an explanation. It only fuels speculation.

Palm Springs houses more Republicans than GOPers who attended the Republican National Convention. In case you haven’t noticed, this number doesn’t include many Mexican actor/stand up comics.

Speaking of his stand up act, it deals with the life of a Mexican getting along with the Anglo world. While not a blue act, it is at the least, colorful. Given the ultra conservative climate surrounding the Hope, there could have been an element that felt they didn’t want to associate with a guy like this. Sure, why would the BOB HOPE Classic want to be associated with a comedian?

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

The LPGA took a hit when Annika Sorenstam left the circuit to marry Mike McGee with plans to start a family. This left the crown to Lorena Ochoa. Now, it’s Ochoa’s turn to drop a bomb.

Recently, the charming and talented Mexican announced her engagement to Aero Mexican CEO Andres Conova. She also alluded to the fact that she plans to have a limited career so she could start a family.

This a hit the LPGA could hardly stand.

Bartender, how about a bottle of tequila for the table and Spanish Rosetta Stone for yours truly so even if I can’t join the conversation, I can understand what’s being said.

See you on the first tee,

Jack