Among the players, Ochoa professes "huge respect" for Sorenstam. "That will never change," she says.

Ochoa's biggest challenge will be to keep her golf game growing as she strives to complete her larger mission. As the demands of her station increase, she realizes she will have less time to devote to her foundation, La Barranca, and her two golf academies. She is also working with the LPGA Tour to start the Lorena Ochoa Invitational, to be played at Guadalajara Country Club, in November of 2008, which will feature an elite field of 30 players.

She says the main sacrifice has been the difficulty of sustaining a romantic relationship. In the last few years, Ochoa has had two relationships end amicably. "I have nobody right at the moment," she says, "but I know when you are happy outside the golf course, you will play better for sure." She can see herself getting married within "five or six years," and once she starts a family, she believes she will have no qualms about leaving professional golf behind.

In the meantime, Ochoa knows how to share her success with her immediate family, friends and an exponentially expanding fan base. "It's a great example for our young players to see," says Alfredsson, "because what's wonderful about Lorena is that she is proving that being No. 1 doesn't mean becoming hard and isolated from everybody. And this will trickle down. I mean, if the top player can be generous and giving, how can anyone else be a jerk?"

And even if the Era of Lorena lasts as long as the Era of Annika, Ochoa is certain she won't change. "I'm glad to be an example to others," she says. "I know what's needed most in my own country is examples of champions. It's something I always wanted to do, and now I realize I have a chance to make a bigger impact. So my foundation, La Barranca, my academies, my country, my family—some people might say that is extra pressure. For me, it is extra motivation."

And here Ochoa leans in, as if letting the world in on a secret that makes Hogan's seem small. "To do it for others, you know, it is actually easier."

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