Hasta luego Lorena Ochoa

The No. 1 woman golfer in the world has left competitive play, but there is no doubt that she will continue to be a force off the course

By Susanne Kemper

An earthquake shook the world of women's golf in April when the No. 1 female player in the world - popular, friendly and vivacious Lorena Ochoa - announced that she was retiring from competitive golf at 28 years young. Three years to the date that she first ascended to the top of the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, Ochoa held an emotional press conference and withdrew from the LPGA Tour. She will play in only a few events and in her annual invitational tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she grew up.

A tremendously talented athlete and an explosive golfer with extraordinary abilities, Ochoa created a chain of friendship wherever she played. Fans and groundskeepers alike felt her generosity of spirit. She was even known to cook breakfast for tournament support staff. Unpretentious, giving, open and accessible, Ochoa marked golf indelibly in her short, meteoric career.

Perhaps nowhere was that more apparent than in Mexico City the night before her globally broadcast press conference. Friends, family and sponsors-Rolex, Lacoste, Ping and Banamex among them-came from across the world to share in an emotional evening filled with memories, good wishes, tears, laughter and joy. Ochoa is an icon like no other in Mexico, but she is also revered worldwide.

"This is a special day for me," she said. "I have been wanting this for a time, dreaming of it, a decision from my heart with joy. I am happy, in peace. Thank you all. I always wanted to play my last event in Mexico; it will be Morelia next week.

"Now is a new life," she continued, "a normal person's life, and giving back to my family plus working on my interests and the Lorena Ochoa foundation. I have always wanted to be remembered as a person, for what I do outside of the golf course."

Until her marriage last December to Aeromexico executive Anders Conesa, Ochoa was still living at home with her parents. Conesa, a father of three children, is 12 years her senior. Ochoa wants to have a year or so to travel with him before they start their own family.

Family has been key in Ochoa's journey. Alejandro, her brother and manager, has been her constant travel companion. Her father and other family members and friends have been present with her as she played her way to the top of the Tour. It's not just her amazing shot-making that will be missed but also her smile and spontaneity.

As a Rolex Ambassadress, Ochoa will continue to play a role for golf and charity.

"We respect her decision. It is her life. Of course we are sad," declared Jean-Noel Bioul of Rolex at dinner the evening before the press conference. To Ochoa he declared, "You will still be with us, part of the Rolex family."

Since her first LPGA win in 2004 at the Franklin American Mortgage Championship, Ochoa amassed 27 wins including two majors-the 2007 Women's British Open at St. Andrews and the 2008 Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage when she famously jumped into the lake at the 18th green with her parents, brother, caddie and a slew of friends and family while a mariachi band played.

Her career seemed to be destiny. At the University of Arizona she set records with 12 NCAA collegiate golf victories. She made first team All-American in 2002 with the same stellar performances that she had in Junior Golf. After turning professional in May 2002, she won three events on the Futures Tour and finished at No. 1, giving her exempt status for the 2003 LPGA season. She was 2003 Rolex Rookie of the Year, and her fiery, aggressive play catapulted her into the rankings and record books.

Yet even at the young age of 20 she was focused as much on life beyond golf as on reaching the highest pinnacle of her game. "By 30," she said, "I want to be number one in the world, then I will stop golf, get married and have children."

She echoed this thought several years later when discussing Annika Sorenstam's decision to step away from competitive golf. As she made that same decision herself, it was with the courage of her long-held convictions and in pursuit of another long-held dream.

"This day may be the most special day to me. Just like the lake jump at the Kraft with half of Guadalajara in with me. So many memories…we all started together, and we all finish together now."

Ochoa became Rolex World Number One in 2007, succeeding Annika Sorenstam. About Ochoa's departure from competitive golf Sorentsam said, "I was surprised, but not shocked when I heard the news. She has accomplished so much in such a short time. It is hard to play and play at the level you demand of yourself when your heart and mind are somewhere else. I am very happy for her."

Brittany Lincicome, 2009 Kraft Nabisco Champion who succeeded Ochoa, echoed the sentiments of many Tour colleagues. "She's been an amazing leader on the LPGA tour. She will be greatly missed but I'm soooo happy that she is putting herself first! I wish her nothing but the best in the future."

Ochoa has been true to her Mexican heritage, her faith, family, friends and golf. She has brought an image of warmth, excitement, respect and pride to the Tour and to the organizations to which she has lent her support. There is no doubt that she will be remembered just as she hoped to be: for what she has accomplished on the golf course and beyond the golf course, too. Viva, viva, viva Lorena and hasta luego.

Susanne Kemper is a contributing writer to Desert Golf Magazine

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