Lorena Ochoa Invitational
Club de Golf México
Mexico City
Wednesday Pre-Tournament Notes
November 11, 2014
Rolex Rankings No. 3 Lydia Ko
Rolex Rankings No. 10 Lexi Thompson
The LPGA returns to Mexico for the seventh edition of the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, this year being played at the beautiful Club de Golf Mexico in Mexico City. The host of the tournament, Lorena Ochoa, played in the pro-am along with representatives from Banamex, Indeporte, Lacoste and Rolex after missing last year due to the birth of her one year-old daughter Julia.
The talk among the LPGA players on the course today was Lorena, and how they are indebted to her for all she has done to grow women’s golf.
“I used to go to the Kraft Nabisco as a kid to watch her play.” Lizette Salas reminisced. “I would make banners for her and once I turned pro and she acknowledged me as an LPGA player that meant so much to me because I looked up to her. She opened the door for not only Latinas but young girls everywhere – she did a lot.”
Ochoa has continued to work after her retirement as the World No. 1 in 2010 with her foundation, the Lorena Ochoa Foundation. Her work on and off the course has inspired other players and Salas explained what an honor it is to play in this event.
“To be here in Mexico City and this being her tournament is a great honor and it’s a gift to us to be here at this fantastic golf course and for her to give back to the Tour even after she retired is such a great thing.“ Salas said. “This Tour continues to admire and honor her. Me being of Mexican decent, it’s special to be here and have my dad out in the gallery. “
At just 17 years old, Lydia Ko showed her youthful exuberance after she got a chance to meet one of her golfing idols.
“I was actually really excited to be at this tournament because I’ve always wanted to meet Lorena and I kind of got to meet her yesterday, so I was super excited.” Lydia Ko said. “Now I’ve heard a lot of great things about her, you know from the other players and what she’s done for the tour. That was kind of the big reason for coming here.”
WELL DESERVED ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Seventeen-year-old Lydia Ko already owned the titles of youngest winner and youngest
millionaire in LPGA history. She can now check off youngest Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award winner ever. Ko becomes just the eighth Rookie of the Year winner since the award’s inception in 1962 to win multiple times on Tour in their first season. Only Nancy Lopez (9), Karrie Webb (4), Se Ri Pak (4) and Jiyai Shin (3) have more wins in their first year.
“It’s definitely very special, just to be named Rookie of the Year. That’s so special but to have those big names there, makes it even better. “ Ko said in a press conference today. “Yeah, you know those are some big names and they’ve become very successful people, hopefully I can be half as good as they are.”
Ko entered this week’s Lorena Ochoa Invitational ranked third in the Race to the CME Globe, fourth on the Official Money List ($1,564,962), fourth on the Rolex Player of the Year standings (150), and fifth in scoring average (70.075). She will also have a chance at the CME Group Tour Championship to take home the inaugural season-ending $1 million prize for winning the Race to the CME Globe. Her streak of 40 straight cuts made is the best on Tour. She’s never missed a cut in an LPGA Tour event.
“My goal was just to have fun and score the best I can.” Ko said after being asked if her goal was to win this award. “And in the end that’s where all the awards come. I was thinking about it, but at the same time I really wasn’t. There are a lot of really good rookies out here and they’ve played really well. So, it’s not really all about me, but it’s about the other players too.”
Ko’s name was commonplace among LPGA leaderboards before her rookie season. She won twice as an amateur and was granted LPGA Tour membership for the 2014 season by Commissioner Mike Whan last October.
Rookie jitters proved non-existent for Ko, notching top-10 finishes in her first two tournaments. She won the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in her ninth rookie start. For 41 years, Laura Baugh, the 1973 winner, previously held the record of youngest winner at age 18 before Ko snapped it this year.
The Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award, named for LPGA Founder and LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame member Louise Suggs, was established in 1962. Since its inception, nine award winners have become members of the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame: Joanne Carner (1970), Amy Alcott (1975), Nancy Lopez (1978), Beth Daniel (1979), Patty Sheehan (1981), Juli Inkster (1984), Annika Sorenstam (1994), Karrie Webb (1996), and Se Ri Pak (1998).
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AND $1 MIILION?
With just two events remaining in the 2014 LPGA season, the focus is firmly on the inaugural Race to the CME Globe title, where the winner will be determined in Naples, Fla., at the new CME Group Tour Championship.
Awaiting the weekend before Thanksgiving is a $1 million payout for the season-long points leader. The winner of the CME Group Tour Championship could also pocket $500,000.
In events without a cut (except for the Lorena Ochoa Invitational), points will be awarded to members who finish among the top 40 and ties. The Lorena Ochoa Invitational will award points to members who finish in the top 20 and ties. Points will be reset for the CME Group Tour Championship to ensure that the points race will be won at the season-ending tournament. Reset Points will give top yearly performers an advantage but not guarantee victory. Players who finish in the top-3 following the Lorena Ochoa Invitational will control their own destiny and would earn the $1 million with a win at the CME Group Tour Championship, while players ranked 4-9 will have a mathematical shot at the million dollar prize.
Lydia Ko currently sits in the number 3 position in the Race to the CME Globe and with a win that week, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year would pocket the $1 million prize.
“There is still one more week and you know I’m not a mile off of the fourth place Michelle Wie. So you never know until the end of this week and the end of next week, but I guess to get that million dollars, that would be fantastic.” Ko said as she laughed.
It certainly would put an exclamation point on an already successful rookie year.
It will be and awesome thing to do, especially in my first year. But, you know, every body is playing well and they’re going to grind it and you know hopefully get that trophy and maybe the check also. So I think it will be fun and it’s a really cool system that is going to happening this year, like you know the FedEx Cup for the men. So, you know I think it’s really good that we had the CME points starting this year and that makes all the players go out to every tournament and kind of think of winning every week.
SOCIAL SCENE
Lorena Ochoa dominated during her years playing on the LPGA Tour but her efforts to grow the game stick with today’s players. Paula Creamer posted a tribute on her Instagram today in honor of the former No. 1 player in the world.
“Never done this before but my #wcw is Lorena Ochoa!!!! Thank you for everything you have done for women’s golf, not only in Mexico but everywhere in the world! You have made me elevate my game and continue to be a constant reminder to always smile and appreciate life. Without you we wouldn’t be playing this week in Mexico City...so thank you Lorena #wcw” - Paula Creamer on Instagram (@paulacreamer1)
NUMBERS TO KNOW
2 - Number of wins for Lydia Ko in her rookie year
3 - The number of players who control their own destiny in the Race to the CME Globe and its $1million prize
7 - Number of years that Lorena Ochoa has hosted the Lorena Ochoa Invitational
11 - Number of top-10 finishes for Lydia Ko in 2014, besides her two wins
13 - Number of players still in contention for the top 9 positions in the Race to the CME Globe with one week to go.
17 - Lydia Ko’s age when she became the youngest ever winner on the LPGA Tour
27 - Number of wins on the LPGA Tour for Lorena Ochoa
Quote of the Day
“She has so much skill, it’s ridiculous, but I love playing with her and she has a great personality too, to top the talent that she has. ”- Lexi Thompson sharing her thoughts on the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year winner, Lydia Ko
TITLE DEFENSE
Reigning Lorena Ochoa Invitational champion Lexi Thompson is excited to return this year and to play on the new course in Mexico City. In 2013, Thompson sank a 5-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to clinch her second LPGA Tour victory this season, a one-stroke victory over Stacy Lewis.
“It means so much to me.” Thompson described of being here to defend. “I mean, it is a different venue, but just winning this tournament, especially Lorena Ochoa’s event. She’s a huge role model to me, so it was quite an honor to win this tournament last year. I’m very glad to be back and hopefully defend.”
Thompson is grateful for the opportunity to play and excited particularly to play at the Club de Golf Mexico.
“The course is in great shape and it’s a really good layout.” Thompson said. “So, I’m looking forward to starting the tournament tomorrow”.
Lydia Ko
THE MODERATOR: I’d like to welcome Lydia Ko the 2014 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie Player of the Year Award Winner. At just 17 years old you are the youngest winner, youngest millionaire in LPGA history and now the youngest Rookie of the Year How does it feel to hear those words?
LYDIA KO: I can’t really believe that all that’s happened in the last couple of months. This is the first year on the tour and yeah, it’s a huge honor to have the names alongside mine and yeah it kind of makes me feel like I need to work harder to be, you know a better player and just continue from what I’ve done this year.
THE MODERATOR: Now you’ve mentioned some of the names along side of yours. You are just the eighth rookie of the year to win multiple times in your first year. Only Nancy Lopez, Karrie Webb, Se Ri Pak and Jiya Shin have more wins in their first year. Those are pretty big names and in your opinion, does that make what you’ve accomplished this year that much more special?
LYDIA KO: Yeah it’s definitely very special, just to be named Rookie of the Year. That’s so special but to have those big names there, makes it even better. Yea, you know those are some big names and they’ve become very successful people, hopefully I can be half as good as they are.
THE MODERATOR: Now you’ve got two wins under your belt this year, was it a goal this year to win this award?
LYDIA KO: Uhh, it was, but you know it wasn’t really on my mind. My goal was just to have fun and score the best I can. And in the end that’s where all the awards come. I was thinking about it, but at the same time I really wasn’t. There are a lot of really good rookies out here and they’ve played really well. So, it’s not really all about me, but it’s about the other players too.
THE MODERATOR: What do you feel like was your biggest challenge this year as rookie on tour?
LYDIA KO: I think just being on the road so much. Growing up in New Zealand, I haven’t really gone away from home or been away for more than a month or so. So to be away for eight months and not having time to go back was kind of the hardest time. I’m kind of ready to go home and see my friends now.
THE MODERATOR: So, it’s a long season physically and mentally, it’s a grind. How are you feeling with two seasons left, both physically and mentally? Two tournaments left, excuse me. (laughter)
LYDIA KO: I’m kind of excited that it’s nearly over, but at the same time, I’m gonna just go out there and have fun. I know it’s the last two, so hopefully I can finish well.
THE MODERATOR: And then finally, you are currently ranked 3rd in the Rolex… I’m sorry the Race to the CME Globe Standings. What would it mean to you win that million dollars, knowing that getting in the top three you control your own destiny?
LYDIA KO: Yeah, there is still one more week and you know I’m not a mile off of the fourth place Michelle Wie. So you never know until the end of this week and the end of next week, but I guess to get that million dollars, that would be fantastic (laughter).
It will be and awesome thing to do, especially in my first year. But, you know, every body is playing well and they’re going to grind it and you know hopefully get that trophy and maybe the check also. So I think it will be fun and it’s a really cool system that is going to happening this year, like you know the FedEx Cup for the men. So, you know I think it’s really good that we had the CME points starting this year and that makes all the players go out to every tournament and kind of think of winning every week.
THE MODERATOR: So, you’ve won a lot this year. Is this a successful year for you even if you don’t win the million dollars?
LYDIA KO: Yeah, it’s been awesome. I’ve been learning a lot of things along the way and, you know, being in different situations that I hadn’t been in the last couple of years. So, it’s been a great experience. And, you know, I don’t think it could have been any better. There’s still two more tournaments. Obviously, it can get better from here but, you know I’ve really enjoyed it and I think this has been a successful rookie year for me.
THE MODERATOR: Alright, as a last question, you’re here at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. Initial thoughts on the course after a couple of days here?
LYDIA KO: I was actually really excited to be at this tournament because I’ve always wanted to meet Lorena and I kind of got to meet her yesterday, so I was super excited. Now I’ve heard a lot of great things about her, you know from the other players and what she’s done for the tour. That was kind of the big reason for coming here. Obviously I want to play well and everything, but it’s great to come to Mexico. It’s my first time I’ve enjoyed it the last couple days and the course is in really good condition too. So, yeah, I’m excited for the next couple of days.
THE MODERATOR: Alright, Lydia, congratulations on winning the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award and we look forward to seeing how you finish out the year.
Lexi Thompson
Q. Alright, we’re hear with Lexi Thompson. Lexi, defending champion here at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. What does it mean to come back to this tournament, knowing that you are the defending champ?
LEXI THOMPSON: It means so much to me. I mean it is a different venue, but just winning this tournament, especially Lorena Ochoa’s event. She’s a huge role model to me, so it was quite an honor to win this tournament last year. I’m very glad to be back and hopefully defend.
Q. And you mentioned it is a different course. Have you had a chance to get out play it? What are your initial thoughts?
LEXI THOMPSON: I did. I played nine Monday, nine Tuesday and obviously Pro-Am today. So, the course is in great shape and it’s a really good layout. So, I’m looking forward to starting the tournament tomorrow.
Q. Do you notice any effects with altitude as you’ve gone around?
LEXI THOMPSON: Yeah, there is definitely an effect. I mean it’s about 10 percent. My ball’s going about 10, 15 yards further. You’ve got to put that into factor on some shots. But, ummm, it’s a little bit harder to breathe here (chuckles) but overall hopefully the weather stays nice for us.
Q. Now we’re here at Lorena. Lorena is playing in the Pro-Am today. Are you going to try at some point to catch a peek of her playing at all?
LEXI THOMPSON: Yeah, hopefully that’d be great. I mean I saw her from afar yesterday. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to say hi to her. You know, it’s so great to see her out here. I mean she’s a huge role model women’s golfers in general. You know I’ve always looked up to her. So, hopefully get to see her play some that would be awesome.
Q. So, CME next week, it’s a big tournament. You have a shot at cracking top nine, which the top nine have a mathematical chance to win this tournament. What would it mean to you to have a chance to win the million dollars at the end of the year?
LEXI THOMPSON: It would mean so much to me and to win the race to the CME Globe. You know it’s been a huge impact in women’s golf. I mean, I think we’ve grown such a huge fan base with that race and people are more involved and more interested to see who is winning this year-long race and hopefully I’ll do well here and get a win under my belt and defend and, you know, have a chance to win that million dollars next week.
Q. What are your goals to close out the season? What do you feel like would make this a successful year for you?
LEXI THOMPSON: Umm… You know I go to every event wanting to win. I mean these are two big tournaments. Ah, next week is about an hour and a half away from home, so, I’ll have all my family out there supporting me, supporting me which will be nice. But, um, you know just finish strong. I wanna play well in my last two tournaments. You know, hopefully win. That is always a goal of mine, but to play consistent and um, and do my best. That’s all I can do.
Q. Perfect, and finally we just had Lydia Ko in here announcing her Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year Award. Um, you’re one of the most successful young golfers out on tour. What are your thoughts on Lydia and how, how she approached and played her first year out here?
LEXI THOMPSON: I’ve played with Lydia Ko quite a bit and um, she amazes everybody. I mean she is such a consistent player and her attitude out on the golf course, it doesn’t matter if she is playing bad or good. I mean she has the same attitude and I think that’s a great quality in a player. That shows, you know how much they work on their attitude out on the golf course But, she has so much skill, it’s ridiculous, but I love playing with her and she has a great personality too, to top the talent that she has.
Q. Now you’re a veteran out here. I know I said final question, but one more. (chuckles) You’re a veteran out here, but you’re still 19, do you feel like a teenager or, or how do you feel mentally at the end of the year?
LEXI THOMPSON: (chuckles) Yeah it definitely seems like I’ve been out here for quite a while now. I mean I guess can, I kind of am a veteran at 19 years old. You know I’ve loved every bit of it. I started at a young age and turned pro when I was 15, so, I still feel like a teenager. I go home and do teenager stuff and just hang out with my friends. You know, I’m a normal person off the golf course. It’s just play golf for a living, travel the world. A lot of people can’t say that and I’m very grateful for it.
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