Audi 2007 Annual Report Download - page 119

Lorena Ochoa, who took her first
steps on a golf course at the age
of five, belongs to a new genera-
tion of female golfers. The 26-year-
old is an ambassador for Audi.
olf, and ladies’golf
in particular, is some-
thing of an unknown
quantity in Mexico. Nevertheless,
in 2001 you received the country’s
National Sports Award, the first
female golfer and youngest ever
nominee to do so. How did you
discover your passion for golf?
When I won the National Sports Award
for the first time in 2001, Mexicans
suddenly became much more interested
in golf. My father is the reason for
my great love for the sport as he took
me with him to the golf course when
I was young.
You started playing at the age of
five, winning your first regional
tournament one year later, and at
the age of seven you were success-
fully playing at national level. At
that time did you know that golf
would play such a major part in
your life?
Even as a child I was certain that it
would. After I had played in Mexico,
people told me I had to go to the U.S. and
become a professional. For me, it all
happened very naturally, though I know
I was very lucky in that my family has
always supported me.
Apart from golf, you also practice
other sports such as triathlon,
football and tennis. You have even
taken part successfully in competi-
tions. What appeals to you about
this extra challenge?
I love all types of sport, especially out-
door ones. I believe that all sports help
make you stronger not just physically,
but also psychologically. It’s all about
thinking positively, and never quitting.
Since April 23, 2007, you have been
the world’s number one. People
have compared you to Nancy
López and hailed you as the new
Annika Sörenstam. Are you the
female golfer of the future?
Being compared with Nancy López and
Annika Sörenstam means a lot to me,
because they are two athletes I really ad-
mire. But golf has changed a lot since
their day. I belong to a new generation.
The term “glamour girls” is some-
thing we often hear these days in
connection with ladies’ golf, par-
ticularly in connection with players
like Natalie Gulbis and Paula
Creamer. How do you see your
role in the golf world?
Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer are
two excellent players, who know exactly
what they want. But glamour is also really
important for both of them. Personally, I
want to be known for my performances.
I want to win the tournaments I take
part in and be a worthy representative
for Mexico.
You are seen as a role model for a
whole generation of young Mexi-
cans. How do you cope with these
high expectations?
I am happy to take on this great respon-
sibility, because I’d like to do everything
I can to help young Mexicans set their
sights high. That’s why I try to motivate
Mexican youngsters to play golf.
What makes your game special?
How is the way you play different
from the way your rivals play?
My game is aggressive. On the course,
I sometimes take great risks to achieve
extremely low scores. I probably play
like that because I’m not afraid of
making mistakes.
The legendary golfer Arnold Palmer
once said that golf demands more
mental strength, concentration
and determination than any other
sport. What’s your take on that?
Mental strength is extremely important
on the golf course. I’ve been playing
in the Ladies Professional Golf Associa-
tion (LPGA) for five years now, and I’m
feeling more and more sure of myself.
That’s why I keep working on the men-
tal aspect of the game. I want to keep
the adrenalin and the pressure under
control as far as possible. You also have
to find ways to relax off the course,
without neglecting training. I am still
trying to find the right balance here.
What is a day off, in the life of
Lorena Ochoa? Are there days or
even weeks without golf?
Of course there are days when I don’t
play golf. At those times I love going to
the beach to unwind, or to go water-
skiing. I try to take a week’s rest at least
once every couple of months to take
my mind off golf.
What personal and private goals
have you set yourself for the com-
ing season?
I have lots of goals. I always focus on
things that are achievable for me.There
is always room for improvement, for
becoming physically and mentally
stronger. I want to focus intensively on
various techniques in order to perfect
my game and improve certain things –
my putt for example. It’s vital to have
goals, they keep you motivated. •
G
Photos: Philippe Millereau/ Picture Alliance, Jürgen Frank/corbis