Lydia Ko, the renowned Kiwi golfer, recently shared an intimate look at her whirlwind 2024 season during a press conference at the LPGA’s Annika event. This year has been monumental for Ko, culminating in an Olympic gold medal in Paris and an induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame—a first in her illustrious career.
A Season of Triumphs
Ko’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of historic. With three major tournament wins and her third Olympic medal, she solidified her status as one of golf’s premier athletes. Reflecting on her induction at the Paris Olympics, Ko remarked, “I just wasn’t in contention that much so I don’t think I was able to live it as much as I think other people thought. But, no, never would I have guessed that I would have done it at the Olympics. Just seemed too good to be true. The too good to be true kind of happened, and it’s honestly crazy to think about and it gives me goosebumps to look at some of the highlights.”
Notably, Ko is the only golfer in history to have secured three Olympic medals: a bronze in Tokyo 2020, a silver in Rio, and now a gold in Paris. At 27, she also became the youngest inductee into the Hall of Fame, showcasing her dominance and consistency on the LPGA Tour with 22 wins.
Emotional Moments Off the Green
During the Annika event, a special tribute video was shown, highlighting Ko’s Hall of Fame induction. Visibly moved, Ko shared how golf has enriched her life far beyond the trophies and titles. “Golf has given me so much not only by results, but some of the relationships that I’ve made. Golf is actually a strong bond even between my husband and I. It’s crazy,” she expressed.
Ko, who started playing golf at a tender age, turned professional in 2013 and has since won approximately 30 tournaments, including three majors: the Chevron Championship, the Women’s PGA Championship, and the Evian Championship. Her skill and dedication were further recognized with the LPGA Player of the Year awards in 2015 and 2022 and the LPGA Vare Trophy in 2021 and 2022.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season winds down, Ko remains a formidable competitor. She kicked off the year with a victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, followed by back-to-back wins at the AIG Women’s Open and the Kroger Queen City Championship. After rounds of 71, 69, and 65 at the Annika event, she is poised to finish strong.
Lydia Ko’s 2024 season is a testament to her resilience and passion for golf. From Olympic glory to Hall of Fame honors, her journey continues to inspire and captivate sports fans around the world. As she prepares for the final round of the Annika event, the golf community eagerly watches, ready to celebrate whatever comes next for this exceptional athlete.
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