Ochoa announces her retirement at age of 28

Women’s world No.1 quits golf amidst speculation she is starting a family

Women’s world No.1 Lorena Ochoa has announced her retirement from golf – aged just 28.

The Mexican, who won two majors and has dominated the sport since the departure of Swede Annika Sorenstam two years ago, married father-of-three Andrew Conesa last December and it is thought that the pair are planning a family.

“Lorena Ochoa has confirmed her retirement from the LPGA,” said a statement posted on her official website. “The reasons and more details on the matter will be given by Lorena personally in a press conference on Friday in Mexico City. Lorena will share this news of a new stage in her life with her sponsors, family and friends.”

Following the announcement, newspaper reports suggested the Mexican, who won the Women’s British Open in 2007 and the Kraft Nabsico Championship in 2008, was quitting to concentrate on her family and her charity work.

The 27-time title winner has missed the cut just four times in 172 LPGA events and last season pipped South Korea’s Jiyai Shin to claim her fourth consecutive LPGA Player of the Year title.

The surprise announcement has been met with dismay by many in the golf industry, including her former rival Sorenstam.

“I must admit that I was surprised, but not shocked, when I heard the new that Lorena is going to retire,” said Sorenstam. “She has always said she would play for maybe 10 years and then leave the game to start a family. She just got married and obviously feels that she is ready for that next chapter in her life.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered