This historic announcement, made during the Women's Amateur Latin America (WALA) at PGA Riviera Maya, makes Ochoa the first Latin American woman to receive this prestigious membership.
Ochoa, who has been a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame since 2017, was recognized for both her brilliant career as a professional player and her continued contribution to golf since her retirement.
Career and Historic Achievements
Widely considered the best female golfer in Mexican history and one of the most talented in professional women's golf, Ochoa accumulated 27 LPGA titles, including two major championships.
Her first major title came in 2007 at St. Andrews at the age of 25, when she won what is now known as the AIG Women's Open.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club announces Lorena Ochoa as an Honorary Member at PGA Riviera Maya
The announcement was made at PGA Riviera Maya, the venue for the Women's Amateur Latin America (WALA), and highlights Ochoa's career as a player and her significant contribution to golf through her charitable foundation after her retirement.
Lorena Ochoa joins a select group of Honorary Members that includes figures such as Tiger Woods, Annika Sörenstam, Sir Nick Faldo, and Ernie Els.
Lorena Ochoa accepts invitation to become Honorary Member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, first Latin American to receive the honor
Additionally, the golfer, born in Guadalajara, held the world's number one ranking for a record 158 consecutive weeks on the LPGA Tour from 2007 to 2010, becoming the first Mexican golfer of any gender to reach this position.
Commitment to Sport and Community
At 44 years old, Lorena Ochoa attended the first Women's Amateur Latin America in Mexico to support the talent in the region.
Watson highlighted Ochoa's 'great strides' off the course, encouraging more people from diverse backgrounds to take up golf.
The PGA Riviera Maya, the event's venue, was recognized for the second consecutive year as the best golf course in Mexico at the World Golf Awards 2025.
Following the announcement, the golfer stated: "It is a privilege to be named an Honorary Member of The R&A. St. Andrews holds a special place in my heart after my victory there in 2007, and I am proud to now join a distinguished group of honorary members at a Club with so much history and prestige."
Ochoa announced her early retirement in 2010 at the age of 28 while still holding the world number one ranking. She focused on her family and the Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation (FLO), which imparts life lessons based on education and family values.
The Foundation has helped 29 schools in 12 states in Mexico, and in 2024, assisted a total of 13,000 children with scholarships for a better future.
Dennis Watson, Captain of The R&A, congratulated Ochoa, assuring that her achievements on the course were an inspiration to many players.
