Breaking 80

By Lorena Ochoa

With Topsy Siderowf

Photos By Darren Carroll

April 2007

Play the numbers

I do this practice drill when my rhythm is off, but it's equally useful to groove distance control. I drop nine practice balls on the ground and, using my 7-iron, start by hitting three balls softly. They go about 148 yards. Next, I hit three more balls, this time with medium speed, and figure them for 155 yards. Finally, I hit three balls as hard as I can (without losing my balance). By now I'm up to 162 yards. Try it. You'll learn that an easy 7-iron goes as far as a hard 8. Sometimes conditions like wind or elevation change favor one over the other.

Lies, lies, lies

The lie of your ball affects the flight, roll and overall distance of the shot. Certain lies require specific adjustments in your setup. For me, however, the key to any lie is balance. Good balance, which comes from stability in your abs and core muscles, is being able to stay in your posture when hitting the ball. That's why I work on core training a few times a week.

Fairway

Because this is the lie you regularly practice from, you shouldn't find any surprises about ball flight or distance.

Light rough

Be sure you have enough club, because the ball won't travel as far. Also, choke down on the club to make clean contact.

Primary rough

Hold on tightly with your left hand to keep the face square and counter the resistance of the grass. Swing down steeply.

Bare lie

Set more weight on your left side and swing upright so the club comes in at a steep angle. Make sure you hit the ball first.

Golfers are athletes, too

With two older brothers and a younger sister, I come from a family that lives for sports -- and the more extreme, the better. I love to play tennis, basketball and any kind of water sports. I've competed in triathlons and ecothons (mountain sports).

One great day for our family was when I won my first LPGA tournament, the Franklin American Mortgage Championship on May 16, 2004, the same day my brother and business manager, Alejandro, reached the summit of Mount Everest. That was a cool day for us.

Editor's note: The Associated Press named Ochoa the 2006 Female Athlete of the Year.