Marriage Won’t Stop Me, Says World No. 1 Ochoa
07/03/2009 04:47
Mexican star will continue to play for years
Lorena Ochoa has pledged that her recently announced engagement to AeroMexico chief executive Andres Conesa will not lead to her quitting the sport.
The 27-year-old Mexican plans to marry Conesa in December, becoming a stepmother to his three children aged six to 13 from a previous marriage.
"I think I'm going to be playing golf for the next four or five years. I'm not going to retire any time soon. I promise that," said Ochoa, who has made no secret of her desire to start her own family.
"He's very supportive and I promise I'm going to keep playing."
Paula Creamer shared a three-way lead with Angela Park and Jane Park at the HSBC Women's Champions on Thursday, as Ochoa lurked dangerously two strokes behind.
On a lightning-interrupted opening day, ailing world No. 3 Creamer gritted her teeth to stroke a 67 despite feeling sick and achy as she attempts to go better than her third-place finish last year.
Joining her at 5-under was fellow American Jane Park and Brazil's Angela Park.
Hamilton's Alena Sharp is tied for 25th after shooting a 72, five shots behind the leaders.
Ochoa claimed her first victory of the season in Thailand last week, but the two events are her only ones in Asia this year. She has opted to skip tournaments in October and November when the LPGA Tour returns to the region.
Instead, she wants to take time to prepare for her own tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the impending nuptials, despite dumping that responsibility on her sister Daniela, who is a professional wedding planner.
"I've told her, 'Make sure you do something nice and I promise I will arrive on the day!'" said Ochoa.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
It’s great to know that we will have the pleasure of watching Lorena Ochoa continue to play golf for at least the next four or five years.