Lorena Ochoa - Part 1 (The Early Years)
In this special interview with our 100th guest on FORE the Good of the Game, hosts Mike Gonzalez and Bruce Devlin sit down with one of the most dominant players in women’s golf history, Lorena Ochoa. A two-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member, Ochoa’s impact on the game extends far beyond her remarkable 158-week reign as the world’s No. 1 player.
In the first installment of this four-part conversation, Lorena takes us back to her early days growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, where her love for the game was ignited at just five years old. She shares cherished memories of playing alongside her father and brothers, the competitive fire that pushed her to keep up with the boys, and how she quickly progressed from local junior tournaments to the international stage by the age of eight.
Lorena reflects on the key influence of her longtime coach, Rafael Alarcón, who guided her development from a determined young girl to a future world No. 1. She discusses how a heartbreaking national championship loss at a young age became the catalyst for her unwavering commitment to the game. The episode also explores how playing multiple sports—including basketball and tennis—helped shape her athleticism and competitive spirit.
This conversation is a must-listen for golf fans and aspiring athletes, offering a glimpse into the mindset, dedication, and passion that fueled one of the greatest careers in women’s golf. Tune in for an inspiring start to the Lorena Ochoa story—a journey of talent, perseverance, and family support that laid the foundation for a legendary career, "FORE the Good of the Game."
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About
"FORE the Good of the Game” is a golf podcast featuring interviews with World Golf Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around the game of golf. Highlighting the positive aspects of the game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by PGA Tour star Bruce Devlin, our podcast focuses on telling their life stories, in their voices. Join Bruce and Mike Gonzalez “FORE the Good of the Game.”
Thanks so much for listening!
Ochoa Reyes, Lorena
Golf Professional
Lorena Ochoa Reyes burst on the women’s professional golfing scene in 2002 after enjoying an outstanding junior golfing career with five Junior World Championship titles and an impressive collegiate career, being named NCAA Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002.
In her first full season on the LPGA Tour she had eight top-10 finishes and finished ninth on the Tour’s money list. She was named Rookie of the Year. Ochoa would go on to win 27 victories on the LPGA Tour, including two Major Championships (Women’s British Open 2007 and the ANA Inspiration in 2008).
Though Ochoa Reyes’ career lasted only seven years, she dominated the women’s tour and was ranked World Number One in the Official World Rankings for 158 consecutive weeks (2007-2010). In a three-year stretch (2006-2008), she won 21 tournaments, including the two Majors and in 2008, she dominated with wins by as many as 11 strokes on more than one occasion.
Ochoa Reyes always knew what she wanted to accomplish and quit the tour on her terms. She retired at the very top of the women’s game. She said that she always felt that she was competing against herself, and not anybody else.
Lorena Ochoa Reyes is the first Mexican-born golfer to find her richly deserved place among the greats of the game in the World Golf Hall of Fame.
