Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, a past Tournament of Champions winner, reveals one of Lorena Ochoa’s secrets to success on the LPGA

Gaby Lopez backed up behind the tee markers a smidge on the seventh playoff hole at the season-opening Tournament of Champions two years ago at Tranquilo Golf Course, striking a solid 3-hybrid exactly as she’d drawn it up in her mind on the 197-year par-3 18^th. It was chilly that morning and the conditions played to her favor as Lopez poured in a 25-foot birdie putt to claim her second LPGA title.

Compatriot Lorena Ochoa, a World Golf Hall of Famer, mentor and friend, has talked to Lopez about the importance of linking nerves with positive emotion.

“There are a couple little secrets,” said Lopez, “but probably one of them is being very brave and positive out on the golf course when you are in such a pressure situation.”