AIG Women’s Open: Lydia Ko proves that retirement speculation is premature after her Olympic gold in Paris and her huge victory in St Andrews

### Lydia Ko: A Summer of Triumph and Historic Achievements

Lydia Ko has had an extraordinary summer, culminating in her recent Olympic gold medal and a stunning victory at the AIG Women’s Open. This remarkable fortnight has not only solidified her status as one of golf’s elite players but also propelled her to world No. 3. Her two-shot win at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews marks a significant milestone in her career, as she finally secured her third major title after an eight-year wait.

After winning Olympic gold in Paris, Ko expressed her desire to clinch one more major championship. She achieved this goal in dramatic fashion, transforming her aspirations into reality almost immediately. The victory at St Andrews has been described as a ‘Cinderella’ moment, reflecting the fairytale nature of her recent successes.

Lydia Ko made history by becoming the first golfer to earn all three Olympic medals in golf. Following her silver medal at the 2016 Rio Games and a bronze in Tokyo, her gold medal win in Paris completes a remarkable journey in Olympic competition. This achievement also qualified her for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.

Despite her impressive achievements, Ko recently acknowledged her less-than-stellar record at the AIG Women’s Open. She entered the tournament with some apprehension, having struggled in previous years. However, she defied the odds by overcoming a three-stroke deficit on the final day, showcasing her resilience and skill. Her victory not only ended her wait for a third major title but also ignited emotional celebrations for her and her husband, marking a truly memorable occasion at the Home of Golf.

Reflecting on her recent successes, Ko shared her feelings after winning at St Andrews, saying, “It’s been a crazy past few weeks. Something that was too good to be true happened, and I honestly didn’t think it could be any better.” She emphasized the significance of winning at such a historic venue, noting how special it felt to triumph on a course that holds so much meaning in the world of golf.

The Old Course at St Andrews is not just another golf course; it is a revered site in the sport’s history, often called the “Home of Golf.” For Ko, winning there added layers of significance to her victory. She expressed her awe at the course’s storied past and how it contributed to the magical experience of her summer.

Lydia Ko first made headlines in 2015 when, at just 18 years old, she won the Evian Championship. The following year, she added the Chevron Championship, making her the youngest golfer to secure two women’s majors. However, the years that followed were challenging, and she struggled to add to her major championship tally. This summer, after fending off formidable competitors like Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Jiyai Shin in Scotland, Ko finally reclaimed her place among the elite in women’s golf.

Her recent achievements are not just personal victories; they resonate with fans and aspiring golfers around the world. Ko’s journey from a prodigious talent to an Olympic champion and major winner is a source of inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance and dedication in sports.

As she celebrates her recent accomplishments, Lydia Ko stands as a symbol of excellence in golf. With her eyes set on further achievements, the future looks bright for this extraordinary athlete, who continues to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in the world of women’s golf. Her fairy tale summer is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and unyielding spirit, making her one of the most exciting players to watch in the game today.