In honor of Mom

She’s gotten better over the years, although none of it will ever come naturally. Speak to 45-year-old, seven-time LPGA Tour winner Angela Stanford and she will smile, make eye contact and say “hi” in return. Maybe there will be a wave thrown in or a nod and a “how are you?” – the kind of question everyone knows you aren’t supposed to answer in any detail. But social engagement outside her small friend group remains hard and uncomfortable for her, even after all these years.

Stanford is a classic introvert, the kind of person whose idea of happiness is sitting alone with a good book and a Diet Dr. Pepper. No one should confuse her quiet demeanor with unfriendliness. She would be rightly wounded by that thought. A devout Christian and one of the kindest people in the game, Stanford never lets the sun set on an unreturned phone call or outstanding request. But no one would ever call her gregarious.

That is part of what makes the award she will receive in April so special. At the Masters Tournament, the Golf Writ...