Between two major titles and four consecutive LPGA Player of the Year titles, Lorena Ochoa had a pretty successful career. By 2010, she had made 102 consecutive cuts, the second longest streak in the LPGA. However, just seven years into an incredibly decorated career, Ochoa called it quits in April 2010. Now, fifteen years on from her retirement, Ochoa received a very special 'birthday surprise'.

Following her retirement Lorena Ochoa became a part of golf elite. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017 and the LPGA Hall of Fame in 2022. Just five days after her birthday (November 15th), another elite group inducted Ocho.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews recognized Lauren ochoa as an honorary member. As a result, Ochoa joins the likes of Annika Sörenstam, Dame Laura Davies, Catriona Matthew, and many more.

This marked a special occasion for Ochoa. After all, she won her first major at St. Andrews during the 2007 Women's British Open. Recognizing her achievement, Ochoa said, "It is a privilege to be made an Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. I loved my time playing at the top level and continue to enjoy promoting golf so more people can enjoy this wonderful sport."

Well, Ochoa has spent a considerable amount of time bringing more attention to golf in Mexico. She even hosted the Lorena Ochoa Invitational as part of her initiative. Additionally, the Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation brings  29 schools in 12 different states within Mexico. In 2024 alone, they offered scholarships to 13,000 students.

Even Dennis Watson, the Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, congratulated her. "I would like to congratulate Lorena on becoming an Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Lorena enjoyed a wonderful career, winning two major championships and reaching world number one, and I’m sure her achievements on the course were an inspiration to many players. Lorena has since made great strides off the course through the work of her Foundation, encouraging more people into golf from different backgrounds."

Ochoa’s inclusion feels like a natural step toward a more representative future in golf. Her career may have ended early, but her influence is still in full swing. 

How do you feel about the R&A honoring trailblazers like Ochoa? Join the conversation below!

Written by

Dolly Bhamrick

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar