Viva Lorena Ochoa Helping Others

Viva LORENA OCHOA Ochoa’s Oyster Helping Others

Story by Richard C Talbot

The perfect choice - Rolex’s Evian Championship initial “Better Tomorrow” Award presented to Mexico’s first lady of golf Lorena Ochoa for her superb contributions away from golf impacting people, lives, communities, the future. Lorena personifies helping – gestures small and big - from her first days on the LPGA tour. Breaking golfing records on all fronts from 2003 to retirement in 2010 – her 158 weeks milestone No 1 Rolex Ranking remains untouched – she wasn’t only winning but dedicating help, commitment to causes globally.

After turning professional Lorena started her foundation – aiding with cancer, organ donations to education. Several years on, La Barranca, her school near Gualadljara became her priority focus with education - not only the children, but involving their families, communities.” Catching up with Lorena nearly a decade later in Evian, she hadn’t changed - smiling, open, committed, modest. “It’s great to be back in Evian, good memories of this event, before it was a Major. So happy to see all the changes, friends! I’m very excited, honored by this Award- a great honor, recognition. I still love the game. I always wanted to be remembered for my contributions, support I could do away from golf - people, children, causes…this award is outside of golf - it thrills me.” Flashback to the “Home of Golf” after winning her first Major, 2007 Women’s’ British Open on the Old Course, St. Andrews. Lorena, 25 years, discovered the Old Course with her father, Xavier, aunts, uncles, 25 plus friends all supporting her, saying prayers daily on the Swilken Bridge. “Finally, it was my hour, we did it like we dreamed. I’m so thankful, all week I dreamed of raising the trophy on the 18th green. Now I’ve done it,” exclaimed joyfully World No. 1 Lorena. “When I was little, I dreamed of winning Majors, but not at St. Andrews. I loved St. Andrews from first sight. I adore writing history. I will return, St. Andrews is so special from the start.” Xavier – her father, his eyes filled with tears drenched her in champagne on the 18th as did others merrily, later tequilas followed. The Old Course and the Kingdom of Fife lived a superb Mexican fiesta…Ochoa wrote history opening with a 67, maintaining the lead, winning by 4 strokes; a record. Ochoa shared sadly she hasn’t made it back yet but will! May 2010 No. 1 Lorena, who learned at five years old retired at 28, to devote herself to her husband, have a family, her Foundation and La Barranca. Ochoa married Andreas Gonesa, they have three children – Pedro, Julia and Diego. She adores helping with their activities, driving to soccer, tennis, etc. just being their Mom. “My Foundation has my total commitment. Expanding and improving La Barranca has always been key, plus a variety of charity projects while playing fund-raising golfing events globally 10-12 times a year,” Lorena assured. She wrote a book “Dream Big” (“Sonar al Grande” available on Kindle). Sharing goals and sporting activities with her husband, they built a new home on their ranch near Mexico City where horseback rules. Sporting interests are key for all the family - soccer, tennis, volleyball, skiing, marathons, mountain biking. Her children have tried golf, “they don’t like it! Tennis, soccer, gymnastics, swimming…they enjoy. I want to expose them; so, they can choose.” Last year they traveled to Bordeaux for several weeks of cycling with friends - every day a different itinerary of 60 kms – discovering Bordeaux’s wonders. In September Lorena and Alejandro ran in a 30 km event in nearby mountains. Lorena is impressed with today’s golf; she feels levels have improved significantly, is very positive about the game’s expansion geographically. She participates actively in developing the game in Mexico and the US. Creating with friends - IGPM – helping financially for travel, coaching, Q-school fees, etc. Lorena confirmed, “I try helping with advice and time for young players to not make some of my mistakes; also, questions on caddies etc.”. 2019 Proettes Maria Fassi and Gaby Lopez both qualified for 2019 Evian Championship. IGPM has assisted them, now they give back. Lorena emphasized, “I was able to maintain a good balance with practice, travel, the tour, I was lucky. I did practice 6-8 hours a day; I don’t miss the practicing nor those hours. Now it takes me a couple of days to get the feel, swing sensations back before I do a clinic or a pro-am.” The love of the game is still there as is her commitment. America’s World Champion Skier Lindsey Vonn, 82 winsfour short of Stenmark’s amazing record, arrived from the US to award Rolex’s unique inaugural “Better Tomorrow Trophy” to fellow Testimonee Lorena Ochoa at 2019 Evian Championships Awards Gala with accolades galore. Lindsey epitomizes perseverance, commitment, dedication, recovery, major injury rehab, competing and winning. Another supreme role model for overcoming adversity, she presented this prestigious new award to Ochoa bringing refreshing comments and appreciation of each other’s achievements and goals. Speaking with new Rolex Testimonee Maria Fassi 2019 Runner Up at Inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Saturday evening at the Rolex Awards, Maria was thrilled for Lorena. “I’m lucky to know Lorena for a long time due to our sports activities, what she did was so influential in my focusing on golf. She helps so much, in so many ways,” Mexico’s young big hitting talent emphasized. All agree, “Muchas gracias Lorena.” Story by Susanne Kemper