The rankings: upside down

The days when golf was dominated by Annika Sörenstam and Tiger Woods are over; a long time ago -at least that's how it feels- both used to tease each other about majors. Today, things are completely different...

Woods hasn't recovered his mental side of the game due to his infidelity scandal, which came to light on November 2009, after he crashed his SUV in Isleworth; meanwhile, Sörenstam left the LPGA in 2008 to pursue two of her biggest dreams: creating her personal brand -ANNIKA- and starting a family. This brought changes in the world rankings.

In women's golf, it was Mexican Lorena Ochoa who assumed the top position, and managed to stay there for 3 years, before leaving the LPGA.

When Ochoa left, the Pandora box opened. After 11 months, we've seen 4 players atop the rankings - three Asian and one from the USA-. Still, non of them has stayed there for more than 15 weeks in a row. They are: Jiyai Shin (South Korea), Cristie Kerr (USA), Ai Miyazato (Japan) and Yani Tseng (Taiwan).

This seems to be expanding rapidly. After 5 years of dominance, Woods left the first place of the Official World Golf Rankings in October 2010, and ever since, men's golf has had an open season. Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer have had the privilege to lead golf, but haven't consolidated up there.

Throw Luke Donald in there, who has a 0.28 point difference with Westwood, and you'll get another guy on track to take over the first spot.

It's clear that the 'Monarchy' has come to an end, but far from being a mishap, it happens to be quite a treat for fans. For the first time in years, there's a range of possibilities ahead, there are no clear favorites, which brings excitement to the table, and to prove it, you have the first two majors of 2011: The Masters and the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Tweet of the week:

Anyone remember when media outlets were slagging the @LPGA for not having one definite #1 player? We are SUCH trendsetters, @PGATOUR!! -@TheChristinaKim-

Lorena Ochoa's autobiography

Former world number one will officially announce the book in which she'll share anecdotes from her life, both on and off the golf course, in the 24th edition of the International Book Festival of Guadalajara.

Lorena's last appearance was in the LPGA tournament she hosts.

The publisher is Random House Mondadori, who has also published titles like Dalai Lama: Man, Monk, Mystic and A Spoken Autobiography by Fidel Castro and Ignacio Ramonet. Lorena's book will have the imprint of Plaza & Janes.

With this book, the Mexican intendeds to give "a positive message and become a source of inspiration for future generations".

Ochoa will tell the world little known chapters of her life and what she did to become the professional golfer who dominated the LPGA for almost four years. 

In a press release she shared an excerpt that says..

"The biggest step I took was when I qualified to represent Mexico in the World Championship, I was 8 years old and many of my uncles and several people in the club could not believe it. My dad, also known as Sobina, received lots of comments from them, they told him: 'Sobina, but how is it possible that you’re going to take her to the World Championship? She hasn’t played anywhere else but here. How will she do it with the best in the world?' 

Then my dad promised me that if I qualified, he would take me (to San Diego) honestly, I liked the idea because I wanted to visit Disneyland, not so much because of the tournament. Once in San Diego, my dad and I started practicing in the course, which is small. He said: 'Why do not we count and add the 18 holes, to see how you’re doing?' I played 18 holes and when I finished, I saw the records of the previous champions. I told my dad, 'I will win, I am standing here watching their results and I know I can win'. We were excited and later that week I did it, I played and won. Afterward we went to Disneyland".

The book will be ready next year and will be written in Spanish.

Final thoughts...

It's been 11 days since the end of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, honestly I hadn't written anything about it because I had to clear my head. As you will notice, this entry differs from the previous ones, I tend to leave my opinion aside, something that will not happen this time. Having said that, Here are my final thoughts...

The golf course: as usual, it was spectacular. In great shape if you ask me, and I applaud the effort from all the people involved in the maintenance of the Guadalajara Country Club.

The organization: is obvious that the operations and logistics people have everything on sight. Seems like two years of experience with this same event, plus many more OSM has operated, have been the key to the proper functioning of the only LPGA tournament in Mexico.

The host: her game was not as consistent as people would have expected, and behind the scenes, Lorena seemed stressed, especially at the end of the first two rounds. I'm convinced of something: she thought this was a great opportunity to enjoy her event for the very first time, which is why Andres (her husband) caddied for her. The first round just made the rest of the tournament a nightmare, and with a star-studded field is difficult to get close to the lead after two very inconsistent days.

The media center: great attention, I was surprised by the wonderful job the volunteers did, as in previous years this area was solely attended by OSM's staff. A round of applause for the translator, this task is never easy, but he made it look pretty much like a kids' game.

 The winner: what a pleasant surprise! In Kyung Kim is one of the nicest and heart harming players I've ever met. As you probably know by now, she donated her $ 220,000 winner's check. Half of it will go to the Lorena Ochoa Foundation and the other half to a U.S. institution that hasn't been defined yet.

Fan and media favorite: Paula Creamer, by far. Before naming my reasons, I want to make clear that it's nothing personal against other players, but when you attend a press conference and one of the best golfers in the world speaks Spanish and interacts with the media, well, how can you compete with that? Now, take into consideration that during her autograph session she also spoke Spanish and smiled to everybody... Here, take a look and see for yourselves!

Property of Periódico Mural

Former world #1

If someone made the headers this weekend were Lorena Ochoa and Tiger Woods, both dominated golf in their respective fields for years, however, they continue to be news.

Woods y Ochoa in the 2007 gala of the
Golf Writers Association of America.

Tiger

The first time he became the top player of the World Golf Rankings was in 1998, after his 42nd pro-tournament, becoming the fastest player who rose to first place in the world rankings. However, a decline in his game and some problems with his swing led him to cede the spot to Vijay Singh, but a year later, Tiger ousted him after winning his tenth major.

Yesterday, after a season of scandals and the first in his pro career in which did not get a single title, Woods lost his position to England's Lee Westwood, who this year was runner-up at The Masters and The Open Championship, also won the St Jude Classic. Westwood is the second English to become the best player in the world, after Nick Faldo accomplished the feat in 1994.

Lorena

After announcing her retirement in April of this year, Mexico's Lorena Ochoa had focused on her new married life, as well as in her foundation. However, last weekend she made an exception and returned to course to play the Mission Hills Star Trophy in Haikou, China. The event served as the presentation of the newest Mission Hills' project, a 5-star resort which has over 500 deluxe rooms, shops, business center, 12 golf courses, among other amenities.

Thus, Ochoa was part of the 36-hole tournament, exclusive for professionals, which included the legendary Annika Sorenstam, Colin Montgomerie, Se Ri Pak and Greg Norman, it also was supplemented by celebrities such as Michael Phelps, Catherine Zeta- Jones, Hugh Grant, Matthew McConaughey, to name a few.

The Mexican had two rounds of 71 shots, for a 2 under par overall, which earned her a check for 1.28 million dollars. Lorena's performance is especially important because next week she'll play the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in her hometown, Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Near the end

The 2010 LPGA season is almost over and up until now there have been 17 champions. This hasn't happened for several years. From 2003 to 2008 Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sörenstam dominated women's golf largely.

In 2009 someone else draw attention to the tour, South Korean Jiyai Shin, who not only won the Rookie of the Year honors, but also came one point short of grabbing the Player of the Year award, a situation that was defined in the last tournament of the season.

While some players have already shown they had the talent necessary to have a place among the best, Shin was the first to shoock Lorena's reign, who in turn supplanted Annika in 2007.

With their retirement, the LPGA was left without a leader, but soon resurfaced with great diversity, which goes from Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer, who have already won this year and are also favorite for their physical appearance, to Yani Tseng, Shin Jiyai and Ai Miyazato, Asian players with personality and enormous talent, and finally to Cristie Kerr, U.S. veteran who has already savored the glory of being the best in the world. 

With six tournaments remaining, there is a lot at stake. From October to December the most prestigious titles have yet to be defined:

Player of the Year: Yani Tseng, Ai Miyazato, Cristie Kerr, Na Yeon Choi, Shin Jiyai and Suzann Pettersen.
Vare Trophy: Na Yeon Choi, Cristie Kerr and Suzann Pettersen.
Money List: Jiyai Shin, Na Yeon Choi, Yani Tseng, Ai Miyazato, Cristie Kerr and Suzann Pettersen, all with more than $ 1.3 million dollars.

After Ochoa's retirement, everyone thought the tour would be in crisis, but everything points to a new era, which has been accepted by the fans, as they have more than one option in each event, which has brought emotion rather than uncertainty.

Everything under the sun

Many things have happened in golf in the past few days... Tiger Woods' season was quite a mess, Kia Motors America extended its sponsorship contract with the LPGA and more, so keep reading and find out what's been going on.

The first sectional qualifier of the LPGA Q-School took place in Rancho Mirage, California. After four rounds, only 30 from the 112 players on the filed advanced to the final stage. Colombian Eileen Vargas earned medalist honors after shooting 10 under overall.

Tiger Woods left the 2010 season earlier than expected, his last event was the BMW Championship. For the first time in his professional career he didn't have a single victory and missed the final stage of the FedEx Cup.

The USA squad will try to defend its title at the 2010 Ryder Cup to be held in Celtic Manor, Wales. Euro player, Lee Westwood, might miss the tourney due to injury; meanwhile US members Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler made the event through Corey Pavin's picks.

Kia Motors has shown its trust in the LPGA with an extension of its sponsorship contract. Now, the company will move the Kia Classic to Los Angeles, California. This marks the first time the tour stops in the area since 2005.

Former world number one, Lorena Ochoa, will be part of a new reality show, exclusive for Latin American golfers. The show will be aired in 2011 in the Super Golf Star channel (Galleon Holding PLC). The winner will secure a place for the Lorena Ochoa Invitational.

Taiwanese Yani Tseng managed to come from behind and defeat Michelle Wie at the P&G NW Arkansas Championship. Tseng has three victories this season, tops the "Player of the Year" points race and is second in the money list with over 1.4 million dollars in earnings.

Sörenstam vs Ochoa?

Even when this time the venue won't be a Mexican beach, the greatest female golfers of the past decade will face-off in a Skins game later this year.

Sörenstam topped the Rolex Rankings from February 2006 to April 2007; Ochoa did it from 2007 to 2010.

Lorena and Annika will compete in the 3rd. edition of the Notah Begay Challenge with other world known golfers such as Cristie Kerr, Suzann Pettersen, Morgan Pressel, Anthony Kim, Camilo Villegas, Vijay Singh and Rickie Fowler.

Previously, this tourney featured PGA members only, nevertheless this time teams will be mixed and each hole is set to be played in the best ball format with a purse of 400 thousand dollars; besides, benefits go to help fight obesity and diabetes among Native American youth.

The event will take place August 31st. at the Atunyote Golf Club at Turning Stone, located in Verona, New York. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and features 7, 482 yards; furthermore, it0s one of the 8 courses that receives the FedEx Cup season.

Making the turn

This month the LPGA will welcome the second half of the 2010 season, which executives and fans are waiting for impatiently since the tour wasn't as spectacular as expected and brought some bad moments during its first part.

Tournaments:from February to May there were 9 events, compared to 17 that will be played from June to November. From those disputed in the first semester, the most interesting were the Kraft Nabisco Championship, first major of the year, and the Tres Marías Championship, which was Lorena Ochoa's farewell as an active member of the tour.
Thus, the second part of the schedule will certainly make the ratings raise, since the top players will dispute the remaining Grand Slam tourneys -LPGA Championship, U.S. Women's Open and British Open- as well as the prestigious Evian Masters.

Lorena Ochoa: her decision to leave the game was shocking because, even when Jiyai Shin became world number 1 -after a very consistent 2009 season- it's gonna be tough for the LPGA to find another player with Ochoa's charm. Perhaps the youngsters, such as Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie, Brittany Lincicome and Anna Nordqvist, can take Lorena's legacy, but their game hasn't been as mature as it should be to become the boss in the most competitive women's golf tour.

Erica Blasberg: the decease of the 25 year old North American shook the LPGA and its members in a very particular way. The cause of death is still unknown, therefore there have been lots of theories about ex-Wildcat's relationships and way of living off the course. With this background, it will take at least 3 more weeks for the coroner to release further information.

Paula Creamer: she's, by far, one of the favorite golfers around and, even when she's one of the most devoted players of the tour, the Pink Panther hasn't seen action in 2010 after going through surgery in her left hand, as a result of an injury that had been bothering her since last year. Now it's just matter of weeks before she comes back and makes her debut at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

Asian players: once again it was pretty clear who leads the tour. The golfers from the Far East won 7 of the 9 tournaments played from February to May, after displaying quality and consistency on the course. Besides, they lead the top 5 of the Rolex Rankings: Jiyai Shin (1), Ai Miyzato (2) and Yani Tseng (4). It's gonna be very interesting to see their performance in the remaining events, but it's almost a fact that they'll continue to dominate.

The best of the season is still to come, so expect lots of emotions and many youngster winners because the average age of those who have lifted a trophy in 2010 is 24.7 years.

Thank you, Lorena

She made her last putt as an active LPGA member on Sunday; she scored par in the 18th of the Tres Marías Country Club. She was accompanied by thousands who followed her on the course and from thousands more who believed in her since she took a club for the very first time. With tears, hugs, smiles and cheers everyone said goodbye to the greatest golfer Mexico has had...

During her career, Lorena Ochoa won dozens of awards and recognitions, her accomplishments on the course were always a matter of talk, her compromise with Mexican society was known all through the world. Nevertheless, I won't write about it, today I'll relate what Lorena Ochoa was and will always be to me.

Seven years ago I started following women's golf; I didn't do it for Lore but for other player who I found prominent. To be honest, from 2003 to 2005, I didn't put much attention to her, but in the first tournament I covered -MasterCard Classic 2006- I realized that "Super Ochoa" was something more than just a pro golfer.

Her passion and honesty were overwhelming; I remember being at the press conference and there she was talking to the media after a 2 over par round, when she left the room she was already in tears.

I continued to do my journalistic work and found out that she was a young lady with lots of social responsibility, who wanted to share what she had, not only money-wise but also as a human being.

In 2007 I had the chance to see her win live at St. Andrews, Scotland. It was a Monday when I first hit the course, she was at the putting green and she made this long shot and sank the ball in, I reacted with a "bien Lore" shout; she turned around, left her putter on the grass and came over to say hello.

All week long she couldn't be more professional and classy, she gave me an exclusive interview for my Caras Sports Magazine (Caras Golf Magazine) assignment and even let me hold her trophy.

Time went by and she became a busier player, besieged by the media; sometimes it seemed that she didn't enjoy talking to us and her appearances were shadowed by the tantrums she threw.

Still, she was the same old Lorena with her fans: natural, kind, warm, honest, well, just unique. Kids were crazy about her and it was almost impossible for her to go anywhere unless she signed dozens of autographs; she put her sign on caps, balls, photos, posters and many items more, as she smiled and shyly said "gracias".

Lorena was tireless, she always fought for the first place in the leader board but little by little she started to lose it, which of course she didn't like. 
Besides, her priorities were changing fast; her family, which she had put behind for quite sometime, became the most important thing in her life, her marriage as well as her desire to do some more philanthropic work made her step away from competitive golf indefinitively.

Her decision is valid and respectable; what she did for golf, both in Mexico and in the world, exceeds any stumble, critic, tantrum or else. I never thought I would say this, because those who know me will assure I always expected a lot from her and that I was a harsh judge when talking about her game.

My last memory from Lorena? 

Well, it came on Saturday May 1st, 2010, she finished her 3rd round at the Tres Marías Championship, spoke with the media and after that she went by my side, made a pause and with that steady hand she has gave me 3 pats on the shoulder, she said hi and asked how I was. She had had her worst round of the tourney, still she took 1 minute to, somehow, acknowledge my job which has given me great satisfactions, awesome friends and very important media to publish for. Therefore, the only thing I can say is: 

THANK YOU, LORE!

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Halfway

With 36 holes to go in the Tres Marías Championship, Mexican Lorena Ochoa is still on her feet and hoping to fight for the crown in her farewell. Even when she's away from the top, the Guadalajara native has a chance to make it through.

Lorena was joined by her family and husband.

Tied in the 6th position, world number 1 is happy to see her fans support her, but being close to the leaders is a bigger incentive. Joined by Miyazato and Gulbis, Lorena fought hard to make birdies, but she only sank four of them compared to the four bogeys she made.

Meanwhile Japanese Ai Miyazato suffered to keep the lead and gave it away to Michelle Wie, who converted 8 birdie opportunities and made three mistakes, two of them in the last couple of holes. On the other hand, Brittany Lincicome made everything to tied for the lead and even made an ace on 13, but it was just not enough.

Now,  these golfers will keep the pace in order to seek for the title and try to overcome the climatic conditions, which have been a affecting their game and that will be a factor to tale into consideration for the weekend.

Lorena ready for a triumph

Mexican Lorena Ochoa started her participation in the Tres Marías Championship breaking par and with a very consistent game. She's 7 under par and in good position to leave on Sunday with a win.

Lorena controlled her approaching shots and putted excellent, which she hadn't done in sometime. This was reflected in her first hole (#10) where she shot an eagle after sinking a 3 footer.

Her round was strong from beginning to end and, even when she showed frustration after some shot, she handled the pressure. Climate conditions were good in the morning, with no wind which helped lots of players to go low and break par.

Japan's Ai Miyazato broke the curse record, set by Ochoa in 2006, with an impressive 10 under (63). Her game was impeccable all day long, especially on the green, which put her as the leader of the tourney.

North American Michelle Wie tied for 3rd, along with Lorena, and seems like she's ready to take home another Mexican event, since she won in Guadalajara last year becoming a Rolex first-time winner.

Mediocre or necessary?

That's the question that many have been asking themselves about Lorena Ochoa's retirement. Since Tuesday I've received several comments regarding this issue and it's been curious to compare Mexican and non Mexican mails; trust me, they are way different.

Guadalajara's sweetheart debuted in 2003 as a LPGA member

She was the best female golfer in the world for 3 years, she won the Player of the Year award 4 consecutive seasons, she received the National Sport's Award, she broke records such as first LPGA member to reach the 4 million dollar mark in a single season, lowest round in a major championship (62), fastest to reach 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 million dollars in career earnings.

Nevertheless, some people see Ochoa's leave as a mistake and even as a justification since she was close to losing the first position at the Rolex Rankings, after displaying a very inconsistent game since last year. Either way, it's pretty interesting how lots of Mexicans just won't forgive her for saying goodbye, while most North Americans and Europeans think she deserves to step away, they support her decision and look at the bright side of it; ironically they didn't received any benefits from Lorena's Foundations, while many Mexican kids did get education and have a place to spend their time while having fun.

Lorena's decision is a combination of factors:

Marriage: many years ago, since she was chasing Annika's position at the Rolex Rankings, Lorena said she didn't want to stay in the tour forever, 'cause her priority was having a family. After she got married it was obvious that her time was running out.

Pressure:the Mexican had lots of up and downs in the mental side of her game; still, this was something difficult to master for her and, of course, easier for Scandinavians since keeping it cool is just part of their culture. But, lets not forget that roots determine personality; therefore, most Koreans are shy, Nordics are unattached and Latins are outgoing and amicable.

Lack of interest:doing the same for 23 years must be exhausting by itself, now imagine doing it at the toughest level, with no support form the government and in a country where golf is simply unknown. Maybe there will be some people who think: Hey, Tiger has been doing this for even longer; yes, that's true but guys tend to be unattached while most women look for stability and realization through family.

I must confess I've never been Lorena's fan, compared to some buddies from the source, in fact I always questioned her "mental debility" and I never forgave her for throwing tantrums in the course and in some press conferences; still I need to be honest and objective: Lorena is great and is very possible that Mexico won't have such an important golfer again; so we should celebrate her success, as well as putting Mexico in the map of a sport that many rejected.

Having three LPGA events, plus the skins game organized by Grupo Ochoa, was something that we never had before and it's gonna be tough to repeat it. So, what about leaving criticism behind and start feeling proud for having such a big star as a representative of our country?

Lorena leaves the course

Mexican super star and world number one, Lorena Ochoa, is about to retire indefinitely from professional golf. Grupo Ochoa, who's in charged of representing her, announced that she'll giver her reasons and further details this Friday, during a press conference.

Ochoa has battled with her consistency since last year.

Lorena's  management group sent the invitation last Thursday and cleared out that the reasons for this unusual event was to celebrate her 3rd anniversary as women's golf leader and also "due to other important changes in her schedule". Nevertheless, today around 9:30 am, the Director's Assistant emailed the media and confirmed that Lorena was stepping away from the LPGA, which was already spread by Mexican newspaper, Reforma, early this morning. 

Seems like Lorena will leave for personal reasons, she wants to spend more time with her family, don't forget she got married last December with AeroMexico's CEO, Andrés Conesa. Also, she's determined to focus a bit more in her foundation. Nevertheless, this decision is pretty strange, especially after she declared (in February) that she was ready to protect her position in the Rolex Rankings. 

With this, it's possible that the Tres Marías Championship will be her last event, leaving some issues pending, such as her sponsors and the involvement and participation she'll have in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, which is scheduled for November.

Ochoa's fall?

Lorena Ochoa's last appearances have been disappointing and she needs good results desperately, especially in the season's first major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, or she could say goodbye to the first position of the Rolex Rankings.

The Mexican became number 1 in March 2007.

In 2006 Lorena was the player to beat; her 6 victories, 20 top tens, "Player of the Year" award and Vare Trophy were enough to dethrone Annika Sörenstam, considered by many as the greatest femanle golfer in history.

Four seasons later and with 27 titles, no one would imagine Ochoa's mess, which might led her to lose the position she's held for 154 weeks (2.9 years). The Mexican super star needs to give her very best this week because if Japanese and world number 3, Ai Miyazato, or South Korean and number 2 in the Rolex Rankings, Jiyai Shin, win the Kraft Nabisco they'll have enough points to claim the first position and start a new reign in women's golf.

But, how's that Lorena is in such trouble? The answer can be found in the 2009 season, when she only grabbed 3 titles, being the Navistar LPGA Classic the most successful one, since she finished with a 4 shot lead. Further more, she showed a temperamental side, mainly in the MasterCard Classic, where she slammed her clubs after bad shots and scorned local media after the 3rd round, which by the way, was a mess.

If that wasn't enough, she changed her putting routine and fired long time caddie, David Brooker, who had been with her in the most important moments of her career, including her first Grand Slam win the Women's British Open in St. Andrews' Old Course.

To all this we have to add her personal life, lets remember that she had to prepare her wedding and move to another city; besides, she appeared repeatedly in Quien and Hola, socialite magazines from Mexico.

So, what's going on with Lorena?, there isn't a clear or easy answer, but some think she's reached the pinnacle of her career and it's time to go down; others say she just needs to adjust her newlywed life and try to combine it with her golf super star status; while other group thinks her new routines and the caddie change have been costly.

No matter which are the true reasons, the thing is Lorena will face one of the most challenging episodes of her career this week. She needs to show temper, confidence and personality to overcome her situation and defend her position as women's golf leader.

Third stop

After one month of inactivity, the LPGA players are back to continue with this year's schedule. This is the first tournament that they'll play in US soil, since the first two tournaments were celebrated in Asia. So, expect coverage for all and lots of fans following their favorites.

This is an inaugural event and will be played in California.

As expected, the field includes the best of the best, 17 of the top 20 Rolex Rankings players will dispute the title. There's also a 1.7 million dollars purse which will be distributed among those who make the cut.

Nevertheless, there are four players that have good chances of taking it away:

Ai Miyazato: the Japanese won the first two tournaments of the year and seems like she's on fire! Ai has climbed through the Rolex Rankings and is already number 3; less than a point from Jiyai Shin (2) and two from Lorena Ochoa (1). Miyazato's momentum might stretch, unless someone steps in.

Cristie Kerr: in Asia, she made clear who's the best North American around. Her game is solid and balanced, that's why she has played 87% of this season's rounds under par. Kerr was 4th in the Honda PTT LPGA Thailand and runner-up in the HSBC Women's Championship; playing in the USA should giver her a good advantage.

Suzann Pettersen: she's by far the best European in the Rolex Rankings and is considered to be number 4 thanks to her performance. This year she's had two top 5 and was close to winning the season-opener, but Ai Miyazato's brilliant final round left her as runner-up. Pettersen is second in the Money List and her short game is better than ever.

Yani Tseng: a year ago "Nini" was number 2 in the Rolex Rankings, today she's 5 and not happy about it. In Asia she gained the confidence lost in 2009, so it wouldn't be rare to see her lift a trophy this season. Yani's approaching shots are very accurate.

Those who might surprise, for their experience and talent, are Lorena Ochoa, even when she hasn't had a great season she becomes dangerous when she finds momentum, and Jiyai Shin, who just needs a couple of good shots to get into contention.

10 of 2010

In 3 days the 2010 LPGA season will kick off; therefore it's time to talk about those players who will be serious contenders to win one or more tournaments out of the 26 events that are already scheduled. Their expertise, curriculum and talent put them as this season's figures.

1. Lorena Ochoa: this year the Mexican has assured that she only  has golf on her mind; we have to remember that world number 1 had a tough 2009, mainly because she was focused in her personal life, specifically on her wedding, which led her to fight for the POY award  until the last event. Now, Ochoa needs to prove that she has what it takes to continue to reign in the LPGA; even when she's made clear that she wants to win 10 tourneys, the feat looks quite complicated due to the competitiveness of the tour. Nevertheless it wouldn't be odd to see her lift more than three trophies.

2. Jiyai Shin: the 21 year old has 30 professional victories under her belt: 20 in the KLPGA, six in the LPGA, two in the Ladies Asian Golf Tour and one in the JLPGA. And if that wasn't enough, Shin is less than two percentile points away from Ochoa at the Rolex Rankings. In 2009 she took home three tittles: HSBC Women's Championship,  Wegmans LPGA and P&G Beauty NW Arkansas Championship, she posted 12 top tens, won the ROY award and topped the Official Money List.

3. Paula Creamer: the "Pink Panther" couldn't win last year  since she caught a rare stomach virus and dealt with a thumb injury, which led her to WD or DNS four times. Anyways, the American earned more than 1 million dollars, posted 10 top tens and  claimed the first position in GIR. The last time Creamer had a win less season was in 2006, but she came back with a triumph in 2007 at the SBS Open and claimed five victories in 2008.

4. Anna Nordqvist: she's one of the LPGA's young promises; after being a non-exempt member, the 22 year old Swedish devoted herself to compete in Monday qualifiers. In her fifth event, the McDonald's LPGA Championship, she surprised with her short game and strong mentality; eventually she won the major and got her exempt card. In November she hold back a ferocious  Lorena Ochoa to claim the season ending LPGA Championship. Anna is considered to be the next Annika Sörenstam.

5. Michelle Wie: after several trips, she managed to win the Lorena Ochoa Invitational last year. Besides, she was part of the victorious 2009 Solheim Cup team after Beth Daniel picked her as one of her wild cards. Her appearance in that event was crucial since she won three out of four matches and tied one. Until now, Wie is considered as one of the players that must assume the tour's leadership to keep it safe and in one piece.

6. Ai Miyazato: the greatest figure of the Far East claimed her first victory in 2009, after almost four seasons of constant fighting. Miyazato lifted the Evian Masters trophy, but she had already shown what she was made of. The Japanese super star completed eight more tourneys in which she posted six top tens. Without hesitations, last year she posted her best season as a LPGA member and will be a threat in 2010. Remember, she has 15 victories in the JLPGA.

7. Na Yeon Choi: another strong South Korean; she has seven professional victories: five in the KLPGA and two in the LPGA. Choi joined the tour in 2008 as non-exempt, but her talent led her to qualify to almost every single tournament of the schedule and was runner-up for the ROY award, behind Taiwanese Yani Tseng.  Her great performance gave her exempt status for 2009, year in which she earned more than 1.3 million dollars after winning the Samsung Championship and the Hana Bank COLON Championship. Besides, she was second in birdies and fifth in eagles; she managed to post 11 top tens and was seventh in scoring average.

8. Mariajo Uribe: she's one of this season's rookies and leads the Latin American contingent. The Colombian has always displayed magnificent skills; nevertheless, it was in the 2008 U.S. Women's Open when media started to look closely at her after she tied for 10th, ahead of players like Cristie Kerr and Annika Sörenstam. Last year she received a sponsor's exemption to play the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, where she tied for eighth along with Brittany Lang y Yani Tseng.

9. Jean Reynolds: last season she finished second in the Duramed FUTURES Tour Money List. Nevertheless, the American  set people talking after grabbing the lead of the 2009 U.S. Women's Open, which she maintained for three rounds; eventually she lost focus and finished tied for 17th in front of Paula Creamer, Crisie Kerr and Brittany Lincicome. It was precisely at that tourney where she amazed everyone with her impeccable short game and sharp iron control. During her time at the Futures she won twice and posted 10 top tens.

10. Amanda Blumenherst: she represented Duke University; as a Blue Devil she became the only golfer to win the NGCA Award three consecutive years and received the LPGA Foundation Award for the second time. In 2006 she got a sponsor's exemption to play the U.S. Women's Open, where she tied for 10th. Two years later Amanda won the U.S. Women's Amateur. In September 2009 she participated in the CVS Pharmacy LPGA Challenge finishing fifth. In November she became medalist of the Q-School and earned her card as an exempt player.

There's no doubt that these golfers will be in the limelight; they have what it takes to grab some titles at the most competitive women's golf tour. For now, those who are going to play in Thailand and Singapore are already there to embrace a new season, one that will be for sure the toughest of the LPGA history.

Outstanding results

After Lorena Ochoa's 2010 official presentation to Mexican media, her manager is sure that this year will be a season full of challenges, but the harvest will be excellent. Here's what he said to Even Par.

Alejandro has been Lorena's agent since she turned pro.

Regarding this season's schedule Alejandro Ochoa assured "it's not 100% locked up, many tournaments haven't committed totally, but we're expecting some changes anytime soon". This would be very important since "it's possible that a couple of tournaments add up by the end of the, they would be played in Asia". As a consequence, world number 1 might make some adjustments "Lorena will participate in almost every tournament from February to summer, which will give us a margin to evaluate her performance and decide if she plays more".

With a very short tournament ahead, Alejandro trusts that her sister's abilities should make her a 10 time winner, "it's a pretty realistic goal, it might sound nuts because we're talking about half of the tournaments of the season, but it sounds real to me".

The off-season work hasn't been easy, "she's been working very hard and has been devoted from the beginning of the year to take advantage. She's been practicing on the beach and has been putting special attention on her fitness. I've been there and I can tell you she's totally concentrated and she'll have great results on the course, because outside the ropes she's balanced, I mean personally, of course". This made clear that when the ball is in Lorena's court, she will be able to solve anything, basically, without pressure.

Maybe all this confidence comes from "the way she's been playing is spectacular, I feel 2009 was tough and she managed to finish in style and honorably. This year she has only golf on her mind, she's satisfied with her personal life and has a lot of security in herself".

About the Jiyai Shin matter and the two percentile points that separate them in the Rolex Rankings, Alejandro accepted for the first time that "what happened last year was a wake up call, it was perfectly clear that the competition is fierce; Lorena won't have a cushion from the beginning and this won't let her be relaxed. She's taken the situation positively because she understands that she needs to focus, practice more and be alert".

Therefore, the only thing that's missing is the first tournament of the season to start, because from that point we will know, for sure, if Lorena is back to what she used to before 2009, when she was close to losing the POY for fourth consecutive year.

I'm ready!

Reporters, photographers and sponsors attended the press conference with world number 1, Lorena Ochoa. With a shy smile and sat alone in a long table, the Mexican superstar listen to the opening speech by her manager and brother, Alejandro Ochoa.

Lorena has 107 top 10s in 168 tournaments, which means she's finished in the top 10 63.6% of the times she's played.

Numbers, performance and earnings were the main subjects Alejandro talked about, he didn't say much about Lorena's past season, instead, he emphasized the importance of her results thru her professional career.

Several minutes after, it was Lorena's turn and the very first words she said were "I'm looking forward to packing and start playing". Her season will be tough, she has already committed to 21 tournaments, but she might add a couple more deppending on her performance and health.

"A year ago I couldn't win majors, but this season I want to take home some of them". This is true, 2009 wasn't good major-wise: Kraft Nabisco: T12; McDonald's LPGA Championship: 23rd; Women's US Open: 26th; Women's British Open: 28th.

Still, Ochoa has one thing on her mind "I want to win as many tournaments as possible, there's one that for sure would be very special, the one I host; it would be like a dream come true, I know it's gonna be tough, but I know I can do it".

Of course the "groove rule" came into the table, but different from the guys,  Lorena assured "I have to strike the ball a bit different and, as a woman,  I have won some yards, maybe 3 or 5, so it's not a disadvantage at all. The men have struggled because they are stronger and they hit it with so much power".

Today Ochoa is ready to keep reigning women's golf, "I've never kept an eye on other players, neither on their game nor on their scores, and I don't think I need to. I will focus on my own stuff, trying to improve what I 'm supposed to and becoming better everyday".

Finally, she took some minutes to talk about her foundation "the school we have, La Barranca, is doing great; we already have some kids in junior high, but there's still a lot of work to do in order to have better facilities and higher  academic standards".

It's a fact, this year Lorena won't have to worry about getting married, choosing furniture for her new appartment or moving in. Still, there are some things that won't go away anytime soon: increasing her advantage in the Rolex Rankings, winning majors and taking back her status as a role model because this is the season in which the LPGA needs her the most!

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