Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, April 28, 2026.– Lorena Ochoa returned to El Camaleón Golf Course, this time as a special guest for the opening ceremony of the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba.
Joining her were three of the Mexican players who will compete starting Thursday: María Fassi, Gaby López, and Isabella Fierro.
“This is a very special day. Thanks to the LPGA and the Mexican Golf Federation for being here, and to my friends, who are now the ones competing. I was already feeling nervous on my way here thinking about the event—a full LPGA tournament, so beautiful, in this stunning place. I didn’t get to play, but I’m enjoying it just the same. And you should enjoy the week at home, feel relaxed. Last year was a great learning experience for everyone—removing that extra pressure of being a local player. The important thing is that we also feel it’s a shared responsibility, not only for the local players but for everyone who comes, to make the course look great and, above all, to inspire new generations, because seeing a tournament live is what invites you to dream,” she said.
Also present at the ceremony were Gustavo Santoscoy Arriaga, president of GS Sports Management; Gustavo Santoscoy García, tournament director; Luis Durán, CEO of RLH Properties; David López, director of El Camaleón; Andrés Jurado Rivera, president of the Mexican Golf Federation; and Casey Ceman.
Lorena hit the ceremonial tee shot on the 18th hole; she was followed by Gaby, Isabella, and María.
In his remarks, Gustavo Santoscoy García thanked the partners and the LPGA for their trust in staging the tournament, as well as the Mexican Golf Federation and the players. He shared that what makes this event special among the 33 LPGA Tour tournaments is Mexican hospitality: “We make players feel welcome and comfortable, and allow them to enjoy not only the golf tournament but also this incredible destination in the Riviera Maya. Hopefully, we’ll be celebrating a victory by one of these ladies on Sunday,” he said.
For his part, Luis Durán highlighted the importance of El Camaleón Golf Course, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and is the only course to have hosted events from the LPGA Tour, PGA Tour, and LIV Golf.
“For us, this tournament is a great source of pride, because we built it with intention, together with our great partners, the Santoscoy family, who are key figures in sports events in Mexico, and with whom we have come together on this path of continuing to promote world-class sport,” he noted.
After each of the players took their shot, the sound of mariachi filled the air with songs such as El Son de la Negra and México Lindo y Querido, creating a festive atmosphere—just like the one expected throughout the week.
