In the twilight of her illustrious career, golfing superstar Lydia Ko has given fans an intimate glimpse into the transformation of her mindset, attributing it to her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. This revelation came during a press conference following her splendid performance at Sentosa Golf Club which saw her climb five spots to secure second place with an impeccable 5-under par 67.
In the second round of the tournament, Ko outperformed several notable players, including Charley Hull, Ayaka Furue, and the 2025 Founders Cup champion, Yealimi Noh. Now, she stands just one stroke behind A Lim Kim, offering spectators a unique window into her evolving perspective on the game.
A notable moment in Ko’s career that has sparked this newfound joy is her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame in August 2024. This honor followed her triumphant campaign at the Paris Olympics and was delayed by Nelly Korda’s intervention earlier in the year. Undeterred by the brief postponement, the New Zealand native continued to make history as the youngest golfer to receive such an honor.
During the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship press conference, Ko’s radiant demeanor did not go unnoticed. When quizzed about how her life had changed after winning the Gold Medal and being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Ko affirmed, “I’m definitely having more fun. I can try new things without veering off what was good from last year. I think it is a little bit of a different mindset.”
The Hall of Fame accolade has clearly unleashed the 27-year-old from the shackles of career-related anxieties. However, she still harbors ambitious aspirations, stating, “I still have goals, and while I’m still playing, I want to play the best golf I can and contend as much as I can.”
Despite an impressive career resume, some titles still elude Ko, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship. However, with her newfound ‘freedom,’ she feels better equipped to vie for these major wins. She confessed, “I’m going out there with maybe a little bit more freedom. I was able to turn a disastrous start around really quick because I tried something on the golf course that has been helpful since.”
Looking ahead, the U.S. Women’s Open and the Women’s PGA Championship are top on Ko’s list of goals for 2025. Additionally, she aims to build momentum by leveraging her current form in the ongoing HSBC Women’s World Championship. With her fiercest competitor, Nelly Korda, skipping the Asian leg of the LPGA Tour, Ko is a strong contender to win the event.
Ko is also set to participate in the 2025 Chevron Championship from April 24-27, 2025, where she will have a chance to challenge the defending champion, Nelly Korda. Given that Ko won this major in 2016, it will indeed be an enthralling contest to watch.
As Lydia Ko gears up for the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship with a refreshed mindset, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate her performance. Will she secure the title? Only time will tell.
