Lorena Ochoa

The number one ranked female professional golfer is Lorena Ochoa. This 27 year old from Guadalajara, Mexico, overtook Annika Sorenstam last April as number one in the LPGA. 2007 was a good year for this golfer, topping the money board at $4 Million. She also won three consecutive events last year, including her first major championship at the Women’s British Open. She is currently playing on that course to defend her title.

Lorena started playing golf at the early age of five. She excelled and soon won junior titles within her home country. She continued to play throughout school and was given a golf scholarship to play for the University of Arizona. She played for two years before she turned professional. During her two years as a college student, she won numerous awards including the Mexico’s National Sports Award. This award is the country’s highest sporting honor and Lorena was not only the first golfer to receive it, but also the youngest athlete.

Lorena has already qualified with enough wins to be entered into the World’s Golf Hall of Fame even though she will need to play until 2012 to be inducted. She is a natural athlete with a supportive family. Her brother, Alejandro, encourages her to participate in other athletic events including triathlons, marathons and ecothons, many of which they have participated together. She enjoys many outdoor activities, but enjoys the game of golf for the mental challenge it provides. She continues to be a role model for athletes in her country and worldwide.