Lydia Ko reflects on Olympic triumph, LPGA Hall of Fame induction, and retirement plans

Lydia Ko continues to etch her legacy into the sport's history, as the recently crowned Olympic gold medallist and the newest member of the LPGA Hall of Fame, Ko is navigating a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. As she prepares for upcoming challenges at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links and the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, she opens up about her journey, the weight of her recent accomplishments, and her thoughts on the future.

The Reality of a dream realised

Lydia Ko's triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics and her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame are still sinking in. Reflecting on these milestones, Ko shared, “I actually don't know if it has sunk in yet... It was pretty surreal. I woke up, like, was that a dream? Did that just really happen?” The gravity of her achievements is still a fresh and surreal experience for her, as she tries to process the overwhelming support she’s received. “I've gotten an overwhelming amount of support from the players and the people that I know, and just very grateful for literally this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she added.

Ko’s fellow LPGA Hall of Famers have reached out with words of wisdom and encouragement, something she deeply cherishes. “Somebody like Nancy Lopez, every time I see her, she gives me good vibes... To see them support me like this, it means a lot,” she said, her voice tinged with gratitude and emotion.

Hall of Fame: A Surreal Honor

Being a LPGA Hall of Famer is a title that still feels new to Ko. “It's super cool... I didn't really think I was capable of getting in any sort of Hall of Fame,” she admitted. The honour of being part of such an elite group is not lost on her. “I know all the ladies and legends that are like in the Hall of Fame, they are the greats, and they led this pathway for us to have this kind of opportunity. To say that I'm part of that kind of history book is really cool,” she remarked.

A Golden journey continues

Despite the overwhelming joy of her recent successes, Ko remains focused on the challenges ahead. The ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and the AIG Women’s Open are next on her agenda, and she is eager to continue competing. “I just wanted to kind of stick to my schedule, and I think it's a good thing, especially kind of playing into something as big as The Open,” Ko explained. The Scottish links have always held a special place for her, and she sees this as a crucial part of her preparation. “I always enjoy playing links, and we don't really get to play these types of golf courses very much in the year. It's a really good preparation for next week,” she added.

Future goals and thoughts on retirement

Lydia Ko’s career has been one of extraordinary achievements, but she is not ready to rest on her laurels just yet. When asked about her future goals, she revealed her desire to add another Major championship to her resume. “I said it would be really, really cool to win a Major championship before I'm done competitively playing,” she shared, though she acknowledged the unpredictability of such accomplishments.

Retirement, while a topic of curiosity for many, is not something Ko has definitively planned. “I always said 30 but I said 30 like ten years ago, and I don't even know why I said 30 at that point,” she laughed. For now, she remains focused on her current goals and is taking things one step at a time. “This year will probably not be, like, my last competitive year,” she clarified, indicating that she still has more to achieve before she considers stepping away from the sport.

Inspiring the next generation

Ko’s influence extends beyond her own career; she is acutely aware of the inspiration she provides to the next generation of golfers. Reflecting on her Olympic success, she said, “I do hope that many more juniors get inspired, not only by myself but by seeing the Games and get the dream of them hoping to become an Olympian and represent their country one day.”

She considers representing New Zealand at the Olympics as one of the greatest honours of her life, and she hopes that her journey will motivate others to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination.

As Ko continues to navigate her remarkable career, her focus remains on the love of the game, the pursuit of new goals, and the joy of inspiring others. Whether she is competing on the links of Scotland or reflecting on her legacy, Ko’s journey is far from over, and the world of golf eagerly watches to see what this extraordinary athlete will achieve next.

The ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open starts on Thursday August 15 at Dundonald Links with this year's field includes 36 Olympians, as well as 5 of the top 10 players in the world, 18 Major winners, 46 LPGA Tour winners and 22 Solheim Cup players. Purchase tickets from £15.90 with under 16s going free. Find out more via ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open website here.