St Andrews confers Honorary Member status upon Mexican Golf Legend Lorena Ochoa

Lorena Ochoa, one of the greatest icons in the history of women's golf, has once again etched her name in the history books. The former world number one golfer has officially received an invitation as an Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, one of the most influential institutions in the sport of golf.

Ochoa, inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017, received this honor in recognition of her extraordinary career and her contributions to the development of golf after retirement.

Considered Mexico's greatest golfer of all time, Ochoa carved out a brilliant career with two Major titles and 27 LPGA Tour victories. Her pinnacle moment came in 2007 when she won the AIG Women's Open, the first time that Major tournament was held at St Andrews, the "Home of Golf." She achieved that victory at the age of 25.

Before her win at St Andrews, Ochoa had accumulated 11 top-10 finishes in 14 Major appearances, including two runner-up positions. 

At St Andrews, she dominated from the start. Opening the tournament with a score of 67, she led from the ninth hole in the first round and ultimately won by four strokes.

Her peak success continued between 2006-2008, when she recorded 21 victories, including her second Major title at The Chevron Championship in 2008. 

She also held the world number one ranking for 158 consecutive weeks, an LPGA Tour record that still stands. She was the first Mexican golfer, male or female, to hold that ranking.

Ochoa: This is a great honor

Ochoa, now 44 years old, expressed immense pride when her appointment was announced.

“It is a privilege to become an Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews,” said Ochoa, who this week attended the Women's Amateur Latin America Championship at PGA Riviera Maya, Mexico.

“St Andrews holds a very special place in my heart after my victory in 2007, and I am proud to now be able to join such a distinguished group of honorary members at a club with so much history and prestige. I loved my time playing at the highest level and continue to enjoy promoting golf so that more people can enjoy this wonderful sport.”

Ochoa retired at the age of 28 in 2010 to focus on her family and her charitable foundation, the Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation (FLO). The foundation instills educational and family values, supporting 29 schools in 12 Mexican states. By 2024, FLO was supporting 13,000 children through scholarship programs.

R&A: We welcome Lorena with pride

Dennis Watson, Captain of The R&A St Andrews, gave high praise for Ochoa's achievements.

“I would like to congratulate Lorena on becoming an Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

Lorena enjoyed an outstanding career, winning two Major titles and reaching the world number one ranking, and I am sure her achievements on the course have inspired many players. Lorena has also made great strides off the course through her foundation work, encouraging more people from diverse backgrounds to get into golf.

We welcome Lorena into our membership and look forward to her returning to St Andrews in the future, where she achieved her historic victory in 2007.”

With her new status, Ochoa now stands alongside golf legends such as Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, Jack Nicklaus, Ernie Els, Rory McIlroy, and Sir Nick Faldo, who are also honorary members.

This recognition is not only a celebration of Ochoa's career but also a symbol of her contribution in expanding the reach of golf in Latin America and the world.