Mayakoba, Quintana Roo, May 20, 2025 – A royal flush of queens graced the opening of the MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba.
Legendary golfer Lorena Ochoa made an appearance on the tee of hole 18, accompanied by Gaby López, María Fassi, and Isabella Fierro, three of the Mexican players competing in the tournament that marks the return of the LPGA to Mexico, starting Thursday.
Each of them hit a ceremonial tee shot to mark the beginning of the tournament.
The first shot was by Lorena, who elegantly struck the ball. She was followed by Fassi, Gaby, and Isabella.
The sun was relentless, causing intense heat, but it was no match for the warmth and camaraderie felt among the players.
That friendly spirit was evident, and when it was time to speak, Lorena shared the pride she felt in seeing an LPGA event return to Mexico with such strong national representation.
Also participating in the tournament are Clarisa Temelo, Fernanda Lira, María Balcázar, Andrea Ostos, and Carolina Rotzinger.
“I’m so excited to be here. Ever since I boarded the flight, I’ve been filled with joy — not only because the LPGA is back in our country, but also because we’ve brought the girls from XUNTAS to experience this moment, and because so many Mexican players are here competing,” Lorena said.
“It’s no longer my time to be the host, and there’s no one better than Gaby to lead the group. It’s their moment now — this is their tournament.”
“I’m thrilled to be playing in the Pro-Am tomorrow, to enjoy a day in touch with the game. When I was still playing, one of my dreams was to bring the LPGA to Mexico so people could truly appreciate what a tournament of this level means,” she added.
Lorena recalled that her own dream of becoming a professional golfer started after watching a live golf tournament.
“My dream is for golf to continue growing — and what better way than through such a special tournament. I’ll enjoy the Pro-Am a lot, even if I hit the ball a bit off… what matters is being here, showing that they can always count on my support, and hopefully seeing a Mexican player take home the trophy. I wish them all the best,” she said.
Also present at the inauguration ceremony were Gustavo Santoscoy García, CEO of GS Sports Management and tournament director; Gustavo Santoscoy Arriaga, President of CEO Sports Management; Fernando Lemmen-Meyer, President of the Mexican Golf Federation; Estefanía Hernández, Secretary of Tourism for Playa del Carmen; Luis Durán, CEO of RLH; Andrés Martínez, Director of the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ); and David López, Director of El Camaleón.
The event concluded with the sound of a mariachi band playing “México, lindo y querido, si muero lejos de ti!”, drawing a round of applause from the attendees. Everything is now ready for the official start of the MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba, with great hopes of seeing a Mexican player rise to the top.
