THE ANNIKA DRIVEN BY GAINBRIDGE AT PELICAN

November 16, 2024

Lydia Ko

Pelican Golf Club

TV

Q. Here she is in the booth. Great playing today Lydia; great playing all year. I'm just thinking as you watch that, what does it make you think?

LYDIA KO: It still makes me nervous because I was very nervous especially my second shot. You know, I know I only had an 8-iron in hand and it's a pretty wide fairway, but when you know what's on the line, my heart was pounding.

Yeah, it's been an unbelievable summer, and just looking at it, I can't believe it's already been almost three months since then.

My life hasn't like drastically changed but it's pretty cool to say I'm a gold medalist and a Hall of Famer alongside some of the legends of the game.

Q. How much was the Hall of Fame on your mind? Now that you accomplished it, tell us a little bit of insight. You won the first event of the season and kept waiting for the final point. What was going through your mind throughout the season?

LYDIA KO: Yeah it's actually -- of course it's easier being one point away than two. I think there was more pressure last year just because it's not easy to win and the level of competition is so high that I was like oh, my God, I have to win two or a major that I haven't won in almost like ten years or something.

But during the season I actually didn't play at the level that I wanted to and it was more of a goal to just keep improving and just playing better golf. I think the Hall of Fame was secondary thing. I was on the phone with my mother-in-law and she said oh, it's so close, you must be -- the anticipation must be there. I was like, not really. I don't think I was as nervous.

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 my goosebumps to look at some of the highlights.

Q. It's a career that has been too good to be true and almost hard to believe. (Video shown.) What's the thing you're most proud of, Lydia?

LYDIA KO: You know, I think outside of what win, I think what I'm most proud of is just me having overcome some of my own lows. As a player, we all go through our own journey. That's what I said to myself walking down 18 at the Olympics, is that I'm proud of overcoming some of the doubts and thoughts that I had.

You know, the gold medal, the win at St Andrews and all the other wins are special in its own way, but I think I'm most proud of proving myself wrong. There were multiple times and even last year where I said, I just don't know if I'm ever going to win again or be in contention.

It's a struggle because every day you get your result and you reflect on it. It's not easy to accept the bad at times. As much as all of those wins are very special to me, my journey is something I'm most proud of.

Q. I remember the very first time we played together. I don't know if you remember this. Played a practice round at an event in Australia. You were what, 12, 13 at that time?

LYDIA KO: Too young, yeah.

Q. Would that young girl believe what you've accomplished to this point? What would you say to her?

LYDIA KO: Probably not. At that time maybe golf was easier in ways because I had very little experience. I remember because I was so excited that I got to see you and play a practice round with you practice.

I was like, I got to get her autograph.

Q. And I got your autograph.

LYDIA KO: I was like, why does she want my autograph? I'm just a little girl born in Korea that grew up in New Zealand. To say now I would be a Hall of Famer in this sport that has given me so much, it's honestly crazy.

You know, at that time I think golf was fun, but at the same time, I also wanted to hang out with my friends so it wasn't, fun, too.

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.

I don't know when my end is going to be, but I know that I'm closer to then than when I was 15 or when I first came on Tour.

I'm excited, but excited to give it my best and my everything until the very end. It's definitely a love/hate relationship. Looking back I think there is more to love for sure.

(Welcome to the Hall of Fame video).

LYDIA KO: I need tissues.

Q. There are dozens more who joined that chorus. Lots of great accomplishments and some special relationships along the way too, huh?

LYDIA KO: Yeah, I mean, my sister was the final point, but even some of the players and the greats of the game, like Pat and Meg, Beth, Juli, and so many others, when I get to see them, even though they're multiple generations ahead, they've always been so supportive.

I know that the Tour wouldn't be without our Founders and without the Pioneers like them. You know, I'm so grateful to be able to know these amazing people, and to think of me so highly, I'm very thankful.

Golf, the results, the 22 wins, medals, they're great; these kind of relationships are things that are going to be with me forever. Not that I'll lose my memory one day, but if I do, these are the moments that I'll remember.

And I was actually fortunate enough to spend a few days with Juli Inkster and Pat Hurst these past few weeks. It's just been great to get their insights, hear some of their crazy stories of them being on Tour, and just to think that I'm like a little bit part of their amazing club, it's such a huge honor.

Golf has given me so much, and I think this is another learning curve for me to say, hey, I just got to give back to the future generations. Golf can be a pain in the butt, but it's definitely worth celebrating.

Q. You have been a huge part of it; not a small part. Congratulations again and go win a golf tournament tomorrow or maybe next week too.

LYDIA KO: Thank you. Thank you for having me.