Ochoa Says Goodbye, Explains What Drove Her to Retire

This morning, Lorena Ochoa effectively held two retirement press conferences - one before the Mexican press in Ciudad Mexico and the other during a teleconference with international media.  Both sessions were very reminiscent of Lorena Ochoa's 8 year professional career: respectful, intriguing, and endearing.

Ochoa indicated that she had made up her mind after playing the LPGA Tour's Asian swing to start the season.

"I went to Asia, and after two or three days of being in Thailand, it was really easy to me - it was really clear to see that I didn't want to be out there, you know.  I just was thinking of other things.  I wanted to get home," said Ochoa, who also indicated that her inclination to retire began to simmer in the prior summer when a series of events surrounding her newly-expanded family created problems for her personal life.

This won't be the last we see of Ochoa, who has held the number one spot in the world for exactly three years - a very important number in the Catholic faith, to which she is very devout - today.  She will play next week in Mexico and again at her tournament in Guadalajara.

Ochoa will not be looking to be a ceremonial player at her event, either. "I'm going to be ready.  I'm going to be very competitive and practice hard to play that week."

Beyond that, though, Ochoa does not appear to believe that she will ever resume a full-time schedule on Tour - quipping that she might play in major championships here and there.

Though Ochoa said that she did not feel the energy she once had for the game, the Mexican golfer/philanthropist/heroine said she will miss so many things about the LPGA Tour.

"I’m really going to miss my friends, the players, just to see them at the golf course and watching them hit balls at the range. Everything all set up, the bleachers, the greens perfect. Practicing on a Monday or Tuesday when the course is quiet in the afternoon.  I'm going to miss so many things."

She advocated to young players, suggesting that they play through college and be in no rush to become a professional.  Ochoa thanked her older influences, including Annika Sorenstam and Juli Inkster, for their sage advice and keen words on helping her through the decision to retire.

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan offered his full support to Ochoa, she said. She replied with hers, "Don't worry.  If I can help in any way, they know that they can find me and we're going to help each other. "

WATCH: LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan reflects on Lorena Ochoa's career,

Ochoa is well aware that she is two years shy of reaching the World Golf Hall of Fame in combination with the points she earned from her 27 victories and two LPGA majors.  She hopes that the veterans committee for the Hall will give her bid credence when she is eligible under those rules in five years' time.

Though tearful at times, Ochoa seemed truly happy to be moving on into the next phase of her life.

"I'm really happy today, and I'm pleased.  I'm 100% complete. It’s great news and I'm super happy."