It's the first event of the 2025 LPGA Tour season and Lydia Ko is back to defend her title after a Hall of Fame affirming 2024

Lydia Ko is set to begin her 2025 season at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, looking to defend her title at Lake Nona. After a resurgent 2024 campaign, which saw her return to the winner’s circle and reaffirm her place among the game’s elite, Ko is embracing the challenge of starting strong once again.

Reflecting on her victory at Lake Nona last year, Ko credited it as a turning point in a critical season.

“After having a tough year in ’23, to win the first tournament back last year gave me a lot more confidence and good momentum into a year that I knew was very important for me,” Ko said. “I believe that it all started here.”

Having the home-course advantage at Lake Nona adds an extra layer of comfort for Ko, but she acknowledges that familiarity can be a double-edged sword.

“I was joking with one of the members that maybe I know too much about the golf course,” she said. “Sometimes if you know less, you just play a lot more simply. But it is an advantage, and it was nice to be able to win at home.”

Building on a stellar 2024

Ko’s 2024 season included a Major victory at the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, putting her one step closer to completing the Career Grand Slam. She now has her sights set on winning the U.S. Women’s Open and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to join the very exclusive club of five-time Major winners (also known as the Super Career Grand Slam).

“If I could be alongside that small group, it would be pretty amazing,” Ko said. “Winning five different Majors takes a very small group of people that have done it. I think the last person that has done it is Inbee Park to my knowledge.”

Her strong season has reinforced her belief in her game, especially after a difficult 2023.

“Even if I don’t play well for a span of a few weeks, I don’t need to get too down on myself because I know what direction I’m going,” she said. “I have full confidence in my team.”

Expanding her schedule and embracing team play

Ko initially planned a light 2025 schedule but found herself adding more events as she structured her season around the majors and new opportunities.

“I started off, okay, I’ll play ten and then I’ll play 15 and then I’ll play 20,” she said. “Now I think I’m playing just under 25, like 22 or 23.”

One of the additions she’s most excited about is the International Crown, where she could compete on the newly introduced world team.

“I love team play,” she said. “That’s why I love Dow. Unfortunately, I haven’t really been able to be in that kind of format very much outside of Grant Thornton and Dow.”

Not being part of team competitions in previous years was frustrating for Ko, who relishes the camaraderie and match-play format.

“I felt very left out,” she admitted. “Internally, I may have criticized the tournaments because I just wanted to play so much. But now, if I make it on the team, I’m super excited about it.”

The LPGA’s 75th Anniversary and Ko’s perspective on legacy

As the LPGA celebrates its 75th anniversary season, Ko is mindful of the Tour’s history and the pioneers who paved the way for today’s players. She recalled her interactions with Marilynn Smith, one of the Tour’s 13 founders.

“She was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met,” Ko said. “Always holding our hands, and I feel like when I held her hand I was blessed right away.”

Ko recognises the responsibility of today’s players to continue that legacy.

“If it wasn’t for those Founders who sometimes struggled to go on golf courses and get paid, it wouldn’t have been possible for us,” she said. “We’re part of the history, and it’s our duty to leave the Tour a better place than when we found it.”

A confident start to 2025

Ko understands that a strong start at Lake Nona could set the tone for another successful year. While she has experienced different rhythms throughout past seasons, winning early in 2024 gave her an immediate boost.

“As much as it’s small differences, I think winning and not winning - there is a huge confidence matter that goes on,” she said. “Even if you play well, if you don’t win, I think always the doubts creep in.”

With renewed confidence, a busy schedule, and Major aspirations, Ko enters 2025 ready to prove once again why she remains one of the most formidable players in women’s golf. And as she tees off at Lake Nona, she hopes to start the season just as she did last year - by lifting a trophy.

View the full line-up and leaderboard for the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions here.