MP News Staff

 Mexico’s golf hero, 26-year-old Lorena Ochoa, has solidified her # 1 world ranking by winning her first major title, the Women’s British Open. The victory fittingly was achieved at St. Andrews, Scotland, the birthplace of golf.

Ochoa, who grew up within walking distance of the Guadalajara Country Club, began playing at the age of five, and won her first national title at seven. After dominating at every level in Mexico for years, she entered the University of Arizona in 2000, where she was named NCAA Player of the Year for 2001 and 2002. She was presented Mexico’s National Sports Award in 2001 by President Fox, making her the award’s youngest recipient.

She left ASU after her sophomore year to turn pro. After a year on the Futures Tour, she gained her LPGA card and ended the year with eight top-10and two second-place finishes. Always one of the game’s top players, she was awarded the 2006 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, and this year moved past legendary Annika Sorenstam as the world’s number one ranked player.

A well-liked and gracious person, Ochoa is poised to be a top player and role-model for her country for many years to come.