Mayakoba, Quintana Roo, May 20, 2025 – Albane Valenzuela has Mexican and French blood running through her veins, although she has adopted Swiss nationality. His father, Alberto Valenzuela, was part of the Mexican golf team for several years and was part of the UCLA team.
Therefore, being at the MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba represents something special for the 27-year-old.
“Obviously I’m super happy to be here, with a Mexican dad. It’s in my blood and I’m very proud. It’s a big part of my identity. My dad and mom are coming to see me, and I feel a little bit at home in this country. I have a Mexican last name and it’s in my blood. My uncles, my grandparents, still live in Mexico City. And yes, for me it’s a big part of who I am.”
As for the El Camaleón course, Albane described it as challenging. “The course is really spectacular. I definitely saw it when the guys came here and played on the PGA Tour and it was a lot of fun to see, it’s a challenging course. It’s pretty long for us. I think the wind was a big factor this week, so it’s going to be a good challenge, and the resort is amazing. So far, so good.
Albane’s best results include a second-place finish at the Honda LPGA Thailand in 2024 and fourth place at the Chevron Championship in 2023. Questioned as to what it takes for her to make the leap and win her first tour title, Albane is candid and says she can’t give an answer. “It’s really hard to know what’s missing. But golf is a sport, it’s one stroke the difference. I’ve had a little bit of a difficult year, but I’m practicing hard and let’s see if I have more opportunities,” he said.
Valenzuela practiced this Tuesday with Gaby Lopez and said she has a good relationship with the Mexican, “I played with Gaby about nine holes. She is a great girl and a great golfer, very humble. Maria is also a very good friend. I played the Palmer Cup with her when we were in college, because we are the same age and I still get along very well with her. I think all the Mexican golfers are great”.
Albane also confessed that Lorena Ochoa was one of the reasons he started playing golf. “My father won the Spirit [The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship] with Lorena back in the day, and he always said how amazing she was. When I was a kid, a teenager, she would always take the time to talk to me, she would bring me golf balls, I have very fond memories of her. I think she’s the kindest, most humble champion that golf has ever given. She is really unique, and for her to be here this week supporting us is super special,” she concluded.
Thus, Albane declares herself ready to start the tournament in which she feels like a local.
