Valeria Ochoa was born in Medellin, Colombia on, 1979. Mommy is Brazilian and daddy is from Chile. What a South American combination! While only 6 years old and speaking Spanish and Portuguese she began her golfing career at a young age. Incredibly, Valeria began to travel and compete at the age of 7 throughout Colombia. The experience that she gained at such a young age propelled her to a South American Championship victory at age 14 in Chile her fathers home country. Valeria followed that win with another victory the following year in Brazil her mother home country. Valeria had continued high hopes of competing on the LPGA, but then at the age of 18, there became a change of responsibilities and her aspirations of competing at the highest level, had to be put on hold.
In 1999, Valeria decided to relocate to the United States with their first-born child. That would prove to become not only one of her greatest challenges, but also her some of her biggest opportunities would soon reveal themselves as well.
This new venture to the US was a great challenge because of the language barrier. Valeria only knew how to speak Spanish and Portuguese but once again, was not going to let that slow her down. By the age of 23, Valeria now had 3 children, was working full time and yet she still had things to accomplish. It was time to dust off the clubs and get back to accomplishing her original goals. Valeria’s personality brings inspiration to many people, also she is a go-getter and has refused to lose no matter what, she is not afraid of anything… u go girl.
In 2002, Valeria accepted a position at Bonaventure Country Club where she immediately took full advantage of the opportunity. In less then 2 months she got her PGA card as golf instructor and she founded a junior golf academy that grew into immediate success. After one year of continued success as the academy director and owner, she knew that something else was missing… and like always she went out to find it!
In 2003 Valeria applied for the first TV show on the Golf Channel called The Big Break III “ladies Only”. It was more then 3000 application submitted. Valeria was 1 of the 10 contestants on the show! Her first accomplishment was done. After the show was aired, she became one of the most recognizable celebrities to appear on the Golf Channel and it is reflective of her continued and consistent appearances on the network. It is Valeria's magnetic and charismatic personality combined with her special charm that helped to propel "The Big Break III "as the highest rated program ever on The Golf Channel in 2003.
Valeria wooed viewers with her beauty and spunky personality leading to many additional appearances and starring roles on The Golf Channel. The network in recognizing Valeria's commercial appeal has invited her to appear twice on "Golf Academy live " , twice as co-host of "Top Shelf " and as host of "All-Access", a behind the scenes look of "Big Break IV" in in Scotland. Since then Valeria has starred in the series " Golf with Style" a travel and leisure/ reality show shot in Hawaii, Canoan and West Virginia at the (The Greenbrier). also aired on The Golf Channel.
Valeria was invited to star in "Big Break VII" as an all-star contestant and continued to build on her television exposure momentum and allowed her loyal fans to re connect. Valeria is spending her professional time capitalizing on her very specific and loyal following by making celebrity appearances for her sponsors and clients, also she has been in many golf and other magazines such Golf Digest, Latina magazine, Ocean Drive Magazine and many more. She is currently playing in many celebrity golf events and focusing her time on upcoming mainstream television programs in the U.S. and Latin America.
Valeria brings tremendous commercial appeal due to her notoriety and popularity amongst male viewers and golf fans alike. Valeria is available for endorsement opportunities, speaking engagements, television hosting and clinics. Valeria Ochoa will surely provide lots of entertainment value with her colorful wit beauty and charm, truly a unique combination in women's golf.
She has been playing several golf tournament qualifiers and mini tours in Florida were she gets to keep her game in shape as she approaches her next goal.
That goal for Valeria Ochoa was always to compete on the LPGA Tour, and that dream will never go away. Although today, it is just as important to focus on her family life, modeling, TV shows, appearances and new adventures that life will bring. Valeria is very creative and unique. And something that is absolutely amazing is that no matter what, she is always going to be the same professional, business savvy, simple and cool golfer girl, that everybody knows.
