Lorena Ochoa has made a significant mark in the LPGA this summer, particularly during the European swing of the tournament, which included her first major victory. With her impressive performance, she has effectively silenced debates regarding her title as the 'best player without a major.' Ochoa's lead in the Rolex Rankings is so commanding that even the media, traditionally skeptical, cannot overlook her prowess.
During the recent golfing events, Ochoa secured two top-three finishes at the Evian Masters and the Women’s British Open, showcasing her exceptional skills. Not only did she shine, but she also distanced herself from her closest competitors, as few could keep pace with her success. Among those who managed to put up a fight were Paula Creamer, Jee Young Lee, and Brittany Lincicome, with Lee finishing second at the Women’s British Open being the standout performance from the pack.
Mixed results plagued other notable players including Suzann Pettersen, Cristie Kerr, and Ai Miyazato, who displayed some inconsistency, yet managed to make the cuts. Unfortunately, others like Mi Hyun Kim, Seon Hwa Lee, Morgan Pressel, and Se Ri Pak struggled significantly, particularly with Pak opting to skip the Evian Masters entirely.
Reflecting on the results from mid-June, Ochoa has separated herself further from former contenders. She has solidified her standing above players like Kerr (#6 on the GSPI, #4 RR, #3 money list), Creamer (#3 GSPI, #9 RR, #7 money list), and Pressel (#7 GSPI, #7 RR, #8 money list). Annika Sorenstam remains a critical figure, and despite injuries sidelining her for a significant stretch, she is still mentioned among the top competitors due to her immense impact on the sport.
Further analysis leads to a nuanced breakdown of the rankings, revealing that Ochoa holds a GSPI rating of 68.05, a 17.33 average in the Rolex Rankings, and has already amassed $2.30 million in earnings this year. In comparison, her immediate challengers average 69.77 in GSPI and an earnings figure of approximately $890,000, illuminating the vast gap between Ochoa and her peers.
While Ochoa stands alone at the top, the field also includes skilled players like Miyazato, Jang, and Prammanasudh, all of whom rank in the top 20 across various systems. They represent solid competition, yet they face an uphill battle against Ochoa’s current form.
As the season progresses, aspects outside the top 25 reveal previously ranked players and new entrants aiming to make their mark. Players such as Gustafson, Ahn, and Hjorth remain relevant, adding layers of competition that could ripple through the remainder of the tour.
With the LPGA tour continuing its momentum, fans can look forward to seeing whether Ochoa maintains her remarkable performance or if a competitor emerges to challenge her reign.