Lydia Ko Wins AIG Women's Open at St. Andrews: Will This Be the Start of Her Retirement?

Olympic champion and Women's Open winner Lydia Ko says recent success hasn't changed her mind about retiring from professional golf before she turns 30. The 27-year-old told Radio New Zealand that her victories in Paris and at St. Andrews would not influence her long-held plan to go out on top and pursue other interests.

"I know for a fact I'm probably never playing past 30," the New Zealander said. "What has happened in the last few weeks doesn't change my timeline. ... I want to leave the game while I'm still playing well."

Ko's win at the AIG Women's Open at the Old Course in St. Andrews marked a significant milestone in her already impressive career, but it also sparked renewed speculation about her retirement plans. The victory was her third major championship title, adding to her previous wins at the 2015 Evian Championship and the 2016 ANA Inspiration.

The tournament itself was a thrilling affair, with the lead changing hands multiple times throughout the final round. Ko began the day three shots back of 54-hole leader Jiyai Shin, but she quickly closed the gap with a birdie on the 4th hole.

The back nine saw a fierce battle for the lead, with Nelly Korda emerging as a strong contender, reaching 8-under par before faltering on the 14th and 17th holes. Vu also had a chance to force a playoff with a birdie on the 18th hole, but she three-putted, handing Ko a two-shot victory.

Ko's win was a testament to her resilience and determination, especially considering the challenging conditions she faced throughout the tournament. It was a particularly memorable victory for Ko, given the historical significance of the Old Course at St. Andrews, and the victory highlighted her enduring place in the world of golf.

The Retirement Question

Ko's comments about her retirement plans have been met with mixed reactions from fans and commentators alike. Some believe that she is still too young to retire, while others argue that she should leave the game on a high note and pursue other interests.

Ko's decision to retire before turning 30 is not unusual in the world of professional sports. Many athletes choose to retire early to avoid injuries and to pursue other opportunities. Ko's desire to leave the game while still playing well is admirable, and it speaks to her commitment to her craft.

However, Ko's early retirement would be a loss to the sport of golf. She is one of the most talented and popular golfers in the world, and she has a lot more to offer.

Still, the South Korea-born Kiwi said she would consult family before reaching any final decision. Recently married, Ko said golf is no longer the only thing in her life. She also noted that she's a "dog mom."

"To know that golf doesn't complete me," she said, "golf, it's just part of me, but that's not me as a whole."

A Whirlwind of Success

Ko's victory in St. Andrews came just two weeks after she won gold at the Olympics in Paris, making it an incredibly successful summer for the golfer.

It was a remarkable turnaround for Ko, who endured a difficult 2023 season. She did not win any LPGA tournaments or majors, and she missed the cut at the AIG Women's Open in 2023. Her Olympic success after previously winning silver and bronze medals marked the end of a difficult period, which she had largely endured in silence.

"I'm definitely the type where I kind of sit on my feelings and all that and not always super vocal about ... what I'm going through," Ko said. "But my family has always been there for me, and especially my sister."

Ko's success in 2024 has been a reminder of her immense talent and her ability to overcome challenges. Her victories in Paris and St. Andrews have cemented her legacy as one of the greatest golfers of her generation, and they have also given her the opportunity to reflect on her future and to make a decision that is right for her.