LPGA Resume of Lorena Ochoa Still Lacking, Barely

Clearly, Lorena Ochoa is destined for greatness. Having just turned 25 this week, she had a magnificent 2006 season, earning the most money and victories (6) on the LPGA Tour. She was also its most consistent performer; notching twelve other top 5’s and she did it in only 25 events. From her record-setting college career until now, Ochoa has been on an inexorable march to the top of the women’s game.

But for all her consistency and sparkling play, there is one more mountain to climb: a Major victory. The only possible flaw in her make-up is a tendency to occasionally go for the difficult shot when a prudent shot would serve as well. (Case in point - her tee shot on the par 3 17th at the ADT.) While Ochoa is known as the biggest birdie-maker on Tour, par tends to be a little more valuable in Majors than in regular tour events. These are lessons that Phil Mickelson has learned later in his career and Greg Norman never quite figured out.

Most evidence suggests Ochoa will get that maiden Major victory sooner rather than later. And once she does, it could be Katie-bar-the-door. I, for one, hope so. The LPGA would be hard pressed to find a better ambassador than she.