Lydia Ko is certainly one of the most well-known figures in golf. This week, she was in the field. Lydia Ko, who won the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio in 2022, remembers how a quote from Jon Rahm inspired her accomplishment.
Lydia Ko recalls Jon Rahm’s advice
The 2022 LPGA season witnessed its second event of the season, Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio. The 24-year-old professional from New Zealand was leading by two strokes, heading into the final round. Lydia Ko was the joint leader with Danielle Kang halfway through the final round up until the 15th hole where Lydia drained a long birdie putt.
As a result, leading by one shot heading into the last few holes, Ko made a beautiful up and down from the greenside bunker to become the 2022 Gainbridge champion. It was her 17th LPGA Tour title.
Watch this story: Lydia Ko has an ambitious long-term goal and only a limited time to turn it into reality.
Lydia Ko said that it was due to Jon Rahm’s inspiring quote that she’d found while scrolling on Instagram that helped her win. In the quote, Jon said, “It’s not about how many times you hit the fairway. Golf, at the end you have to try and play [and score] the best you can in the circumstances.”
Ko spoke about Jon’s words. She said, “I think his quote really helped me to realize that you know what? It’s golf. Sometimes I’m going to hit great shots; sometimes I’m going to hit not-so-pretty ones. I have to manage my way around and try and shoot the best score I can. Today, I don’t feel like I had my A-game, but I was able to make up and down when I was out of position and then not get too down when did I make mistakes.”
Ko cards a final round 69
Lydia Ko: “What motivates me in golf is the challenge of it”
The female professional from New Zealand started her final round with a birdie and bogey start. She fired a level par front nine. Ko made three birdies in the back nine, carding a final round 69 to win the event with an overall score of 14 under par.
Will Lydia win back to back?