MEXICO CITY (AP) — When Lorena Ochoa started playing golf, she wanted to be like Nancy Lopez. Now she wants to break Lopez's records.
Returning to Mexico after three consecutive tour victories, the Mexican star said Friday that her goal is to match or break Lopez's 1978 record of five consecutive victories — a mark Annika Sorenstam tied in 2004-05.
"It has been a historic and unforgettable year, but I have to prepare very well because now I'm going after the consecutive victory record," Ochoa said.
"I'd love to love to do it. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I'm going to do everything possible to achieve it."
After winning her first major at St. Andrews, Ochoa added wins in Canada and Portland, Ore. But she hasn't been able to return to Mexico to celebrate the major breakthrough with her family.
"I really wanted to come. It was weird to win the tournament and stay so far away, but we are celebrating now," she said.
The top-ranked Ochoa said she wants to continue to stay on top. And she brushed away criticism that it took her too long to win her first major.
"The wait was worth it," she said. "I wouldn't change it for anything. God has plans for everyone, and my first major was planned for St. Andrews."
With her victory Sunday in Portland, Ochoa broke Sorenstam's single-season money record, earning $255,000 to push her total to $2,891,590. Sorenstam made $2,863,904 in 2002. Ochoa has six victories this season.
