AUGUSTA, Ga. – Maria Fassi was 8 years old when she first met her idol, Mexican golf superstar Lorena Ochoa.
That day, Ochoa traveled to Fassi’s hometown of Pachucha, Mexico, and surprised a young Fassi with a round of golf. The two have since formed a close relationship, with Fassi leaning on Ochoa for advice as she’s climbed the ranks of women’s amateur golf.
“Lorena is the reason I started playing golf,” Fassi said.
Which is why Saturday’s moment behind the 18th green at Augusta National was so special.
After years of Fassi watching Ochoa, the roles were reversed with Ochoa walking in Fassi’s gallery as the 21-year-old Arkansas standout battled Wake Forest’s Jennifer Kupcho in the final round of the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur.