She is the first Mexican golfer to be ranked number one. In 2007, Ochoa became the first woman to earn more than $4,000,000 in one season. As Ochoa continues to compete, she will probably continue to add to her trophy case.
Growing Up with Golf
Lorena Ochoa began playing at five and won a state tournament at six and a national at seven. She lived next to the Guadalajara Country Club and took advantage of her opportunities. As a junior she won 22 state events and 44 national. She went to the University of Arizona and was successful in her collegiate competitions. In 2006 she was named "NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Most Outstanding Student Athlete."
Lorena Ochoa on the LPGA Tour
Lorena Ochoa left college after her sophomore year to become a professional golfer. At present, Ochoa has 26 wins on the tour. She finished in the “Top 10” eight times in her rookie year. During the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2006, she shot a 62, tying the record for the lowest score ever for a professional golfer in a major tournament.
According to the LPGA official site, Ochoa has a 2009 scoring average of 70.52 thus far. Her current rank is 11, though she is still the one to beat given the professional averages. In 2007, she surpassed Annika Sorenstam to become the highest-ranking woman golfer. Her career earnings to date exceed $14,000,000.
Ochoa’s Achievements Apart From LPGA Golf
In Guadalajara, The Ochoa Group, which is managed by her brother Alejandro, is the Ochoa family business. Lorena’s income helps keep the business strong. Ochoa’s official charity is the “Ayudar es PosibleFundacion.”The foundation helps disadvantaged children. The mission statement reads: “To support the holistic development of marginalized children and teenagers through education, character development, and family support so that they have the opportunity to fully develop their talents and abilities.”
In addition, the Lorena Ochoa Foundation manages La Barranca, a Guadalajara-based primary school that offers a progressive curriculum. In 2007 she donated $100,000 of her winnings to the Mexican state of Tabasco that was overcome by flooding. TIME magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in their “TIME 100” list. She plans to marry Andres Conesa, the CEO of AeroMexico, in December 2009.
Lorena Ochoa is a golf phenomenon and is equally appreciated for her philanthropic work. She continues to impress the world with her remarkable skills and planned giving.
Sources:
Ayudar Es Posible Fundacion
Lorena Ochoa Website
LPGA Official Website
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