Lorena Ochoa inducted into LPGA Hall of Fame after rule changes

The Mexican legend of women’s golf Lorraine Ochoa was included in the LPGA Hall of Fame this Tuesday after the circuit lifted a 10-year requirement for players to be considered for consecration.

Ochoa he won 27 LPGA titles, including two Grand Slams, but had been ineligible because his career only spanned from 2003 until his retirement in 2010.

But the committee of LPGA Hall of Fame eliminated the 10-year requirement on Tuesday.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition. It was unexpected and very special for me,” said Ochoa.

Beth Daniel, committee member and member of the Hall of Famesaid the 10-year rule dates back to the early days of the tour, when it was felt players needed to play longer to support the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association).

“I think we’ve seen that the circuit is strong enough now that we don’t need that requirement, so the committee decided to remove it,” Daniel stressed.

“If you get to the Hall of Fame in less than 10 years, more power to you. We shouldn’t keep you out of the Hall of Fame for that reason,” he added.

Ochoaincluded in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017, she won major titles at the 2007 Women’s British Open and the 2008 Kraft Nabisco Championship.

She was the Rookie of the Year LPGA in 2003 and four-time LPGA Player of the Year between 2006 and 2009, when she also won the Vare Trophy for lowest scoring average.

Ochoa he was world number one for 158 consecutive weeks, the longest total and consecutive weeks at the top of the rankings.

“It took me by surprise (the nomination) and it moved me a lot. I never imagined it,” Ochoa said.

The committee also inducted 13 original founding members of the LPGA Tour into the honorary category.

“The 13 founders of the LPGA were true pioneers whose collective passion, determination and foresight changed the course of history in women’s sports,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan.

kg