Lydia Ko completed what she called a “Cinderella-like story” as she clinched the Women’s Open at St. Andrews on Sunday, just a few weeks after winning Olympic gold in Paris. The 27-year-old from New Zealand carded a three-under 69 in her final round, including a birdie on the final hole, to finish on seven-under after her four rounds and claim her third major title as well as $1.425 million in winnings.
Ko finished two shots ahead of four players – world No. 1 Nelly Korda, Yin Ruoning, defending champion Lilia Vu and Shin Ji-yai – who all tied for second.
“It’s pretty surreal,” Ko said in her trophy presentation ceremony. “Winning the gold medal in Paris a few weeks ago, it was almost too good to be true.
“And obviously heading into the weekend, I was in contention and I said: ‘How is it possible for me to win The Open?’ I’ve had the most Cinderella-like story these past few weeks and this is almost too good to be true.
“And of all the major championships, I think this one I had the least amount of confidence just because I haven’t had as much experience playing on links [courses] and the results didn’t follow either. But to be holding this trophy right now, I can’t believe it.”
Ko began the final round on Sunday three shots behind South Korea’s Shin who led after 54 holes, but a birdie on the fourth hole began her charge. However, a run of birdies from American Korda halfway through her round saw her shoot into the lead as she continued her excellent form this season. But a double-bogey on the par-five 15th hole saw her drop back, leaving Ko and Shin tied for the lead.
After a birdie from Vu at the 14th, it left a four-way tie at the top of the leaderboard with just four holes left to play. Ko was the first of the quartet to finish, setting a clubhouse lead of seven-under with her final-hole birdie. And as she waited, her competitors fell away.
Korda and Shin both bogeyed the 17th and Vu had a chance to force a playoff on the 18th but a three-putt handed the title to Ko.
After being two shots behind before starting the 16th hole, it was a dramatic ending for Ko, who finishes a successful few weeks after winning Olympic gold in Paris to complete her medal set – she had won a silver and bronze in the two prior Summer Games.
Ko's Equipment
Ko's victory was particularly impressive given the challenging conditions at the Old Course, where wind and rain played havoc with many players. Her performance was a testament not only to her skill but also to her well-chosen equipment. Here's a closer look at the clubs she used:
Driver
Ko used a Ping G430 Max 10K driver, which she paired with a Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana PD 50S shaft. This driver is designed for forgiveness and distance, two attributes that would have been particularly valuable in the tough conditions.
Fairway Wood
Ko also used a Ping G430 Max 3-wood with a Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana PD 60S shaft. This wood is known for its accuracy and versatility, which would have been crucial for Ko to hit fairways and find greens from long distances.
Hybrids
For her hybrids, Ko opted for two Ping G430 models, both with Graphite Design Tour AD HY 65S shafts. These hybrids are designed for consistency and control, making them ideal for approaching greens from middle distances.
Irons
Ko used Ping i230 irons for her 5-7 irons and Ping Blueprint S irons for her 8-9 irons. All of these irons featured Aerotech SteelFiber fc 70S shafts. These irons are known for their precision and feel, allowing Ko to strike the ball consistently and control her shots.
Wedges
Ko used a Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedge with an Aerotech SteelFiber fc 70S shaft for her 46-10F degree wedge and Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges with Aerotech SteelFiber fc 80S shafts for her 48-10F, 54-10S, and 58-08M wedges. These wedges are renowned for their versatility and spin, enabling Ko to hit a variety of shots around the green.
Putter
For her putter, Ko used a Scotty Cameron P5 GSS Tour CS Prototype with a Garsen Quad Tour 15-inch grip. This putter is known for its precision and balance, helping Ko to sink putts and keep her scores low.
Ball
Ko opted to play the Titleist Pro V1x golf ball, known for its soft feel, high spin and control.
Reflecting on a Golden Summer
The Women’s Open triumph is the culmination of a memorable summer for Ko. Her Olympic gold medal was the highlight of the Paris Games for New Zealand, and her success at St. Andrews has cemented her position as one of the world’s leading golfers. Ko has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to different challenges, and she is clearly in top form at the moment. She has shown that she can perform at her best in both individual and team settings, demonstrating her versatility and mental toughness.
Ko’s victory is also a significant milestone in her career. She is now a three-time major champion, joining an elite group of female golfers. With her recent wins, Ko has also shown that she is not done with the game. She is still hungry for more success, and she is determined to continue her journey to the top of the sport.
The Future of Lydia Ko
Ko’s Olympic victory propelled her into the LPGA’s Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy in the sport. However, with her recent victory at the Women’s Open, Ko has proven that she is far from finished with her career. This recent triumph serves as a powerful reminder that she is still one of the most formidable golfers in the world. Ko’s determination to continue excelling on the golf course ensures that she will remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
While Ko has expressed that her Hall of Fame induction is not the final destination, it is clear that she will continue to strive for more success in the years to come. The Women’s Open victory is a testament to her commitment and passion for the game. Ko has shown a relentless pursuit of excellence that makes her a true inspiration to aspiring golfers worldwide. She is not content with past triumphs; she is driven to achieve even greater things. Ko’s future promises to be filled with many more memorable moments on the golf course.
