Mexican · Guadalajara, Mexico · Born 15 November 1981Mexican golfer who dominated women's golf from 2007-2010, retiring at 28 while ranked World No. 1 for a then-record 158 consecutive weeks.
Lorena Ochoa held the world number one ranking for 158 consecutive weeks from April 2007 until her retirement in 2010, winning 27 LPGA Tour titles in eight professional seasons at an average of more than three victories per year, then walked away at 28 while still the game's dominant force — the most striking voluntary retirement in the history of elite women's golf. She turned professional in 2003 and reached world number one in April 2007, holding the position for the remainder of her career. Her 2 major victories: Women's British Open (2007) and ANA Inspiration (2008). Her 2007 scoring average of 69.69 was a single-season LPGA record. She was LPGA Player of the Year 3 consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008). Her retirement announcement in March 2010 — citing a desire to have children and spend time with family — shocked the golf world when she remained the game's dominant force. She won 8 times in 2007 and 7 times in 2008. She represented Mexico at the Guadalajara 2011 Pan American Games after retiring from the LPGA. She is the most celebrated Mexican sportsperson in history and the first Mexican athlete of either gender to be ranked world number one in any major individual sport.
158 consecutive weeks as World No. 1; first Mexican golfer ranked world No. 1
How They Played
Precise ball-striking with exceptional short game
Lasting Impact
Mexican golf pioneer who reached world No. 1 and inspired Latin American golf
Career Honours
- 2 major titles (Women's British Open 2007, Chevron/Kraft Nabisco 2008)
- World No.1 158 consecutive weeks
- LPGA Player of the Year 2006-2009
Mexican Athletes