Lydia Ko Finally Reveals Secret Behind Spectacular Women's Open Victory

Newsweek

13 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A year ago, Lydia Ko teed off for the final round of the AIG Women's Open three strokes behind the 54-hole leader, Jiyai Shin. Her situation was made worse by the fact that top players like Lilia Vu and Nelly Korda were ahead of her on the leaderboard.
Despite ultimately winning the tournament, even Ko herself had no clear idea that she was squarely in contention for the title. In fact, it didn't dawn on the Kiwi until well into the fourth round.
Ko recalled that electrifying final round during her press conference ahead of the current edition of the tournament, which begins Thursday at Royal Porthcawl, Wales.
"I didn't realize I was tied for the lead until I saw the leaderboard on 16," she said, according to the transcripts. "In my mind, I thought I was kind of like top 10 somewhere. I just wanted to have a strong finish and see where that put me."
Lydia Ko of New Zealand, poses with the AIG Women's Open trophy on Day Four of the AIG Women's Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 25, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland.
Lydia Ko of New Zealand, poses with the AIG Women's Open trophy on Day Four of the AIG Women's Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 25, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland.However, her lack of awareness about her chances of winning the tournament was a secret weapon in her quest to lift her third major championship trophy.
"I didn't think I was, like, in contention for the win," she said, according to the transcripts. "I think I played a bit more freely and just kind of stuck to my game plan. Maybe if I'd seen the leaderboard more, maybe my course management might have changed, but I think during that time for 90 percent of my round, I didn't really know what situation I was in."
"So it just made me focus on that shot in front of me. I think that made me able to play really solid and not really worry about anything else."
Ko played at an extraordinary level in that final round, admirably handling the rain and wind on the Old Course at St. Andrews. She carded 3-under for the round, with four birdies and a bogey, and went on to win the tournament at 7-under, two strokes ahead of Vu, Shin, Korda, and Ruoning Yin.
With that victory, the New Zealander capped a historic season, earning her the points she needed to earn induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. To add even more to her legend, Ko completed this extraordinary feat by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
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