Lydia Ko picked up right where she left off at the Kroger Queen City Championship. Making her first start since picking up her third career major title — and first in eight years — at the AIG Women’s Open last month, Ko entered the final round at the Kroger Queen City Championship two shots behind Jeeno Thitikul. She ended Sunday having picked up seven shots on the 54-hole leader. Ko fired a final-round nine-under 63 at TPC River’s Bend to win the Kroger Queen City Championship at 23 under by five shots for her third LPGA victory of the year. When you add in her historic Olympic win, which earned her the last point she needed to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame at just 27 years old, that makes it three-straight victories for Ko. The win marks her 22nd career victory on the LPGA as well.
Ko has said she wants to retire at 30, and rumblings of her doing just that have only grown louder now that she has earned her place in the Hall of Fame. But she reiterated Sunday, she still has an accomplishment left on the LPGA and this win will only add fuel to her fire. “I think it’s always been the goal of mine to do the career grand slam,” she said. “I feel like I’ve already been part of this fairytale, so why not?”
It’s been a stretch of some of the finest golf of Ko’s career over the past month after she came oh so close to earning her final Hall of Fame qualifying point back in January. Ko won the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions to put her a point away from gaining entrance to one of sports’ most difficult Halls of Fame. That was after a bizarre season in 2023 when she failed to record a win and didn’t even qualify to defend her title at the CME Group Tour Championship.
Then she seemed destined to earn the final point in her next start at the LPGA Drive On Championship. But Nelly Korda had other plans and finished eagle-birdie to force a playoff she would win and jump-start her run of five-consecutive victories. Ko struggled again after that, recording just one top-10 and missing two cuts before a T8 in Canada in late July. Then the calendar flipped to August and she took over again. “I struggled a lot during the middle of the season, and I was in a place where okay am I really going to be in the Hall of Fame and all of those doubts,” Ko said. “I had a fairytale of those past couple months and now I feel like if I set my mind to it, maybe I can do it.”
On Sunday, Ko was still two behind when Thitkul eagled the par-5 8th, but after that, the final round was all the Kiwi’s. Over the final nine holes, Ko made four birdies and an eagle of her own to come home in a scorching back-nine 30 and lap the rest of the field. Over the same stretch, Thitikul’s momentum stalled as she bogeyed the 9th hole and followed birdies at 12 and 14 with bogeys.
Ko’s performance at the Kroger Queen City Championship is a testament to her dedication and unwavering spirit. Despite facing challenges throughout the season, she showcased her unwavering determination and resilience. She has proven that she is more than just a talented golfer; she is a true champion, both on and off the course.
Ko's Dominance at the Kroger Queen City Championship
Ko’s dominant win at the Kroger Queen City Championship came as a result of her consistent brilliance throughout the tournament. She has been on a roll since her historic Olympic win, which propelled her into the LPGA Hall of Fame. Her exceptional performance at the Kroger Queen City Championship further solidified her place as one of the most dominant golfers in the world.
Ko's Comeback Story
Ko's journey to the LPGA Hall of Fame has been anything but straightforward. She experienced a slump in 2023, failing to win a single tournament. However, she displayed incredible resilience and determination, making a remarkable comeback in 2024. This victory at the Kroger Queen City Championship is a testament to her dedication and unwavering spirit. It has cemented her place in the history of the LPGA, and it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a household name in the world of golf.
What's Next for Lydia Ko?
With her Hall of Fame induction and her recent string of victories, Ko’s future looks bright. She has set her sights on winning the Career Grand Slam. It’s a challenging goal, but given Ko’s track record and her current form, she has a real shot at making it a reality.
One thing is for sure: Lydia Ko's journey is far from over, and it will be exciting to see what she accomplishes next. This latest victory, though, is already a testament to her talent and perseverance. The LPGA has a true star in Lydia Ko, and her future promises to be even brighter than her illustrious past.
An Inspiring Story
Lydia Ko's story is one of inspiration and perseverance. From facing doubts and struggling through a tough season to making a remarkable comeback and achieving her dreams, she has shown the world that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that success is often achieved through resilience and the unwavering pursuit of one's goals.
