Samantha Lopez was in the zone when we spotted her at the Diether Ocampo Golf Tournament in Tagaytay Highlands last July 21.

The dancer turned actress, who became famous for her stint in the noontime show Eat, Bulaga! as Gracia, has been a golf enthusiast since 2008.

Over lunch that day, she exclusively talked to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) about how she got into playing the precision sport.

"I live in New York now, so, me and my husband, every summer, we go to the Hamptons," says Samantha who is currently based in Manhattan with her British husband Warren Edwards.

"Yung summer house na pinag-stay-han namin katapat golf course.

"E, English yung asawa ko so hindi siya puwedeng laging nakabilad sa araw kasi nagiging [kulay] lobster siya.

"So, kailangan namin may ibang gawin other than magbi-beach, mag-sunbathing, mag-swimming.

"At that time, nanonood kami ng golf [sa TV] so sabi namin, 'Why don't we try golf?'

"So, ayun, we got the bug and yun na, na-addict na kami," she smiled as she recounted their first tee off.

Since then, Samantha and her husband have been playing whenever they can, whether they're staying at the Hamptons or elsewhere.

They have also started investing on their own golf equipment.

"Sa golf club ko I'm using TaylorMade atsaka Cleveland.

"Pagdating sa ball, kasi I only use pink balls and pink tees, I use Precept, yung kay Paula Creamer (2010 US Open champion)."

For her attire, Samantha uses Nike or Adidas shoes and Greg Norman apparel, which are given to her by a friend who works for the sporting goods company.

Samantha says she is grateful that the tournament fit just perfectly into her tight schedule.