Lorena Ochoa's Legacy Isn't Measured in Majors

When Lorena Ochoa announced her retirement at just 28 years old, she shocked the world with her decision. She was in what many would consider her "prime". Just shy of 30, playing on the LPGA Tour for less than a decade (2003 to 2010) and having already accumulated 27 career titles, including two majors, and 109 top-10s.

But her wins aren't what make her remarkable, those are just the added bonuses. Ochoa was and still is one of the most captivating players women's golf has ever seen. She was a stone-cold killer, insanely accurate ball-striker and an even better putter—but off the course, her ability to work a room, to influence the energy of a space and leave her mark is what not only puts her in the G.O.A.T. conversation but places her at the top of the list.

Lorena Ochoa of Mexico takes part in the First Tee ceremony prior to the start of the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last year marked the first time in seven years that the LPGA Tour held an event in Mexico for the Riviera Maya Open at the El Camaleón course at Mayakoba, and it was hard to ignore the presence Ochoa carries around the place.

Though this isn't technically her event, she's definitely the hostess with the mostest bouncing around the place. From kicking off the week during Tuesday evening's open ceremony to hitting the first tee shot during the Wednesday pro-am, Ochoa's obligations during the week are plentiful. She's quite literally shaking hands and kissing babies, like she always has, and she's happy to do it.

Last year while we were on site, Ochoa told Skratch during the pro-am just how meaningful it was to her to see the LPGA in Mexico. "I was very emotional because of it all," Ochoa said. "It takes a lot to work together between the tourism, the support from the golf course, the sponsors. And I'm just happy to be here."

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It's rather apparent just how much this event means to her, and for the other golfers in the field representing Latin America.

We're not even a month removed from Maria Jose Marin's historic win at the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur, becoming the first player from Colombia to hoist the trophy. "Of course this is a win for my country and just beyond proud to represent them. I am half Mexican too, so it is with great pride that I represent Mexico in the bottom of my heart," Marin said in her winning presser in response to what the win means to her, and what should would say to little girls who look like her.

"I can just say dream big. Never give up on your dreams. I would never, ever think that I was going to be right here right now, but it's just because all of my hard work and my perseverance and the love that I have for the game."

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There are nine players hailing from Mexico and another five (including Marin) Latina women in the field on sponsor invites—all of which are products of Ochoa paving the way. She was the first from Mexico to win, to be a world No.1, and to achieve Hall of Fame status—she inspired an entire generation to get up and play.

"I think for Mexican golf this is huge," said Maria Fassi ahead of this week's tournament. "I grew up watching the best in the world play when we had the tournaments in Mexico City, and it's the reason why I'm here today. It's what inspired me to play professional golf. I wanted to be just like Lorena Ochoa and, you know, all the amazing players that came to play."

"We didn't have that for so long, and now that we're on or second year back after so many, we get to be that for so many of the girls and kids that come out and watch. So I think it's a huge leap into the growth of the game, and obviously for me as a Mexican player it's just such an honor and I take a lot of pride in playing for Mexico in Mexico, getting to show some of the girls our beautiful country."

There's no mistaking Ochoa's legacy, despite her retirement 15 years ago. She's revered amongst the next generation and so many aspire to follow in her footsteps. She shaped the game for so many in the current generation—and this week, this tournament is a testament to who she is not just what she accomplished.

This page was first published on May 22, 2025. Last updated April 30, 2026.