LOPEZ IS THE NEW HOPE.

Byline: JILL PAINTER GOLF

BURBANK - Everything about George Lopez is funny. Nothing about George Lopez is conventional, which includes how he learned to play golf.

``I hit lemons in my grandmother's backyard in Mission Hills,'' Lopez said. ``You knew you really hit a good one when you split it down the middle. I would hit wedges with a lime, what it was before it was a lemon. We got those clubs at garage sales. You'd just end up with a club.

``Now, I know where all my clubs are. Now, it's like when people ask a father, `How can you raise 10 kids? Do you know every kid?' I know every one of my clubs and why they're there.''

On Monday, Lopez was taping ``The George Lopez Show,'' which he writes, produces and stars in, on the Stage 4 set at Warner Brothers Studios. He changed from his customary jeans and button-down shirt into khakis and a crisp, white shirt.

He was the star in a news conference as well, when the PGA announced Lopez would become the host of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic on Jan. 15-21.

``There was a certain amount of energy at the tournament because Bob used to be out there with the players and the fans,'' said John Foster, the president of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. ``Ever since Bob's passing, we've lost some of that energy. It's important to re-ignite that energy. George loves golf. If you don't love golf, it's not going to work.

``He's blocking out a week of his life for this, and that's a major donation. That really sold us that he'd be a good match.''

Lopez played in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic the previous three years and still will play as the tournament director. He looked the part Monday. Foster helped him slide into a navy blue jacket -- with the words ``Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Hosted by George Lopez.''

All of the tournament organizers were wearing the new ensemble. When he plays, Lopez ditches traditional colors for loud ones.

Then, Chrysler gave Lopez a new car. The first words out of his mouth, of course, made everyone laugh.

``I promise Chrysler to not ever sell it for parts,'' he said.

Lopez's main task is drawing celebrities and interest to the tournament, which benefits 40 charities. Lopez was thrilled with his new role, especially since he loves to golf. Lopez has a 14-handicap and will showcase it at the four tournament courses in Palm Springs.

Lopez received a big break when his wife, Ann, a producer, got him a gig to open for Bob Hope in 1991 at the Walnut Creek Performing Arts Center.

Lopez said he learned something about hard work from Bob Hope -- who lived a few streets over from his family in Toluca Lake -- in the limo ride after the show.

Hope very much cared about the audience, which was a little slow to their jokes. People should be quick to embrace Lopez.

``I'd like to thank Dolores Hope, first and foremost, for anointing me the duty of following in her legendary husband's footsteps,'' Lopez said. ``It's something that I will always cherish and treat it with the respect that it deserves.''

Lopez is grateful for the game, which he started playing at 11 but not seriously until he was 20. He still has his first set of clubs, which he played with at El Cariso, in his dressing room.

Lopez had a rough childhood and didn't grow up with his father. He lived with his grandmother.

Golf helped him. He said it was like the father he never had.

``Usually when a Latino has a club in our hand, we're going to get our hundred dollars back,'' Lopez joked. ``I think (golf) taught a lot of the things that a father or family members should have. It taught me patience. It taught me honesty. It taught me responsibility.

``I didn't have an actual person to teach me that. That's why I'm also involved in the First Tee, in getting kids to play golf. So, I think I respect it for what it's taught me. It's like life, sometimes the easier you try, the better things go.''

Even though he's a famous comedian, he doesn't always play at country clubs. Lopez said he likes to play Hansen Dam, because he can wear a T-shirt and jeans there.

Bob Hope used to host celebrity friends Frank Sinatra, presidents and Dean Martin. Lopez said he will invite Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Andy Garcia, Kevin Costner and others.

``And since one Latino isn't enough, I'll bring Cheech (Marin) with me,'' Lopez quipped.

Lopez should have no problem making lemonade from lemons.

Want to be like Annika? Go to school

Most golf academies work on the finer points of the swing and putting stroke. That won't be the only focus in Annika Sorenstam's Academy of Golf & Fitness at Reunion Resort & Club near Orlando, Fla.

Sorenstam just announced the opening of her golf academy and if you want to play like Annika, you have to work like Annika. Students will go through ``Annika drills'' and ``Annika Exercises.'' Five years ago, she revamped an already successful career by committing to a strength and conditioning program. That will be a big part of the academy.

``This is really a great way for me to share my knowledge, give back to the game and hopefully to reach out to all people that enjoy the game,'' Sorenstam said in a conference call. ``We're talking about juniors, we're talking about adults, you name it. But when it comes to the juniors, this is the way for me to give back by giving them good fundamentals and hopefully they get a chance to enjoy the game as much as I do because this game has been wonderful to me.''

Her longtime golf coach, Henri Reis, will be the head instructor at the academy. Reis began coaching Sorenstam in 1987.

Also working at the academy will be Kai Fusser, Sorenstam's personal trainer who works with other professional athletes as well. The physical focus will be on cardio and core-strengthening exercises.

Sorenstam, who will be 36 in October, won't play forever. She said she probably has a few more years of giving 100 percent and retirement could follow. With the academy, hosting an LPGA tournament and designing courses, she already has plenty of jobs lined up after her playing days are over.

``This is one of the things I'm working on,'' said Sorenstam, who has won 68 LPGA events. ``I'm planting a seed for what to do after the competition and the academy is one part. I've been involved in some golf course design. I'm getting involved with the golf tournament that I'm sure you've heard about, the Ginn Tribute in Charleston.

``So that's are just a few things that I'm just starting to plant a seed for, so I think it will be a lot easier for me to say goodbye to the competition when I have all of these great projects on the side.''

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 2 boxes

Photo:

(1) Comedian George Lopez kisses a cut-out of Bob Hope after announcing he will host the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic on Jan. 15-21.

John Shearer/WireImage.com

(2) ANNIKA SORENSTAM

Box:

(1) THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

- Associated Press 

(2) Etc.