Lydia Ko, the reigning Olympic champion, has done it again, taking home the trophy at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. The victory was a dream come true for the star golfer who had dreamt of winning the night before the final round. This latest Asian major win adds to her impressive list of victories, confirming her place in the upper echelons of women’s golf.
Amidst the celebrations was a touching moment of sisterhood between Ko and six-time LPGA champion, Danielle Kang, who shared a heartfelt picture of them embracing on her social media. Kang’s caption, “couldn’t be prouder of my baby sis” showed her genuine happiness for Ko’s success, despite her own struggles in recent times.
Indeed, Kang’s performance has been under scrutiny. The 32-year-old American golfer has been facing mounting pressure, with her 2025 season not going as planned. After missing the cut at the Founders Cup, she had a disappointing finish at T62 at the HSBC Women’s World Championship.
In a candid plea to her fans, Kang requested space to reflect privately on her performance. She urged her followers to say nothing and let her figure out her game with the people she trusts. She expressed her regret for her poor performance and thanked HSBC for the opportunity.
This isn’t the first time Kang has been open about her struggles. Last year, she talked about the ups and downs of the game, noting that wins and losses are part of it. She humorously referred to her 2024 season as the worst of her career, promising to bounce back in 2025. Despite her performances, fans continue to cheer her on, eagerly awaiting her return to form.
Kang’s solace amidst the storm is her family. She lost her father, K.S. Kang, to cancer in 2013, dedicating her first LPGA win to him and getting a tattoo in his memory. Her brother, Alex Kang, is also a golfer, while her mother, Grace Lee, provides the necessary wisdom and support. Lee has even advised her daughter to take a break from golf if it stops bringing her joy.
Despite the highs and lows of her career, Kang has found balance in her love for golf and her family. She describes golf as an art and cherishes the moments spent with her family more than anything. Her excitement was palpable when she played at last year’s T-Mobile in Nevada, her home state, surrounded by familiar faces.
As we continue to watch the unfolding of the 2025 season, we wish Danielle Kang the best. May she find the strength and wisdom to overcome her challenges and return to the top of her game.
