In the competitive realm of professional golf, the role of a caddie is often underestimated. This was vividly illustrated when Lydia Ko, a shining star of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), recently lauded her caddie Paul Cormack for his vital contribution to her success.
The HSBC Women’s Championship in Singapore became the stage for the ‘Caddie of the Year’ award. The honor was bestowed upon Paul Cormack, a seasoned veteran who has been working with Lydia Ko since September 2023. Cormack’s extensive experience includes a four-year stint with Anna Nordqvist and a period serving Kevin Chappell on the PGA Tour. His expertise and dedication have played a significant role in Ko’s journey to the top.
Ko’s playful banter with Cormack upon his win reflects the strong camaraderie they share. Over the past year and a half, this bond has proved instrumental in Ko’s triumphant run. With Cormack’s guidance, she clinched her third major at the AIG Women’s Open and bagged the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Expressing her appreciation for Cormack’s unwavering support, Ko stated, “He started working for me at a time where I wasn’t playing very well, so to see how far we’ve come together, it’s been a really proud moment for us, and I believe that I have a really good support team around me.”
Their collaboration began after the 2023 AIG Women’s Open during a low phase in Ko’s career. However, Cormack’s association soon started showing positive results. The 2023 season witnessed Ko finishing third at the BMW Ladies Championship and winning the Grant Thornton Invitational with Jason Day.
Despite their successful partnership and the ensuing accolades, the golfing world faces the unsettling prospect of Ko’s early retirement. The New Zealand golfer has previously hinted at retiring by 30 and recently reiterated her intention, creating a sense of anxiety among her fans.
Ko candidly expressed her views to Golf Monthly, saying, “I don’t know when that moment is right now, although I’ve always said that I can’t see myself playing after I’m 30.” This isn’t a new revelation from the Kiwi golfer; she has consistently shared her future plans, including her intention to exit the professional golf scene relatively early.
While this may disappoint her fanbase, it’s an understandable decision. Ko’s retirement plans also include a desire to clinch a Grand Slam before stepping back. She is currently two short of this goal, missing the Women’s PGA Championship and the US Women’s Open from her trophy cabinet. Only time will tell if Ko can accomplish this feat and conclude her career on a victorious note.
