Lydia Ko, ranked third in the women’s World Golf Rankings, recently shared a special keepsake on her Instagram story commemorating her victory in the 2024 AIG Women’s Open. The major championship took place from August 22 to 25, 2024, at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland, where Ko clinched her win with a final score of 7-under par, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Ko’s post, dated July 28, displayed a simple caption highlighting the importance of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open triumph as she prepares to defend her title in the 2025 event.
Details of Ko’s Winning Performance at St Andrews
Beginning the final round tied for fourth place, Lydia Ko was positioned at 4-under par entering Sunday’s play. She delivered a solid 3-under 69 on the closing day, finishing two strokes ahead of runners-up including Nelly Korda, Jiyai Shin, Lilia Vu, and Ruoning Yin. The demanding links-style course, well known for its intricate double greens and gusty seaside winds, tested all competitors, but Ko maintained composure throughout.
This victory was Ko’s third major championship, adding to earlier titles at the 2015 Evian Championship and the 2016 ANA Inspiration. She also made history as the first New Zealander to secure the AIG Women’s Open title, further cementing her place among the elite in women’s golf.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl
Lydia Ko is set to return as defending champion for the 2025 AIG Women’s Open, scheduled from July 31 to August 3 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales. This will mark the first occasion the championship is held at Royal Porthcawl, a historic course established in 1891 that has previously hosted prestigious competitions such as the Senior Open Championship.
The change of venue introduces new challenges for the participants, with Royal Porthcawl’s coastal layout demanding strategic navigation akin to the traditional links courses but with its own unique contours and weather conditions.
Comprehensive Field for the 2025 AIG Women’s Open Including Top Contenders
The 2025 edition of the AIG Women’s Open will attract a star-studded field representing the best talent in women’s golf. Lydia Ko will be joined by other top-ranked players such as Jeeno Thitikul and Ruoning Yin. Recent competitors from the Women’s Scottish Open including Nelly Korda, Charley Hull, and Minjee Lee will also participate, while Lottie Woad, fresh from her impressive victory in Scotland, aims to continue her strong run.
Key entrants expected at the tournament include:
- Jiyai Shin
- Yani Tseng
- Stacy Lewis
- Ariya Jutanugarn
- Georgia Hall
- Hinako Shibuno
- Sophia Popov
- Anna Nordqvist
- Ashleigh Buhai
- Lilia Vu
- Lydia Ko
- Nelly Korda
- Ruoning Yin
- Casandra Alexander
- Mao Saigo
- Akie Iwai
- Alexa Pano
- Jin Hee Im
- Lottie Woad
- Pajaree Anannarukarn
- Linn Grant
- Nanna Koerstz Madsen
- Angel Yin
- Chiara Tamburlini
- Manon De Roey
- Charley Hull
- Pauline Roussin-Bouchard
- Bronte Law
- Shannon Tan
- Alice Hewson
- Maria Hernandez
- Alexandra Forsterling
- Liz Young
- Kirsten Rudgeley
- Esther Henseleit
- Emma Spitz
- Perrine Delacour
- Helen Briem
- Amelia Garvey
- Diksha Dagar
- Nastasia Nadaud
- Lauren Walsh
- Haeran Ryu
- Jeeno Thitikul
- Ayaka Furue
- Hannah Green
- Lauren Coughlin
- Sei Young Kim
- Miranda Wang
- Jin Young Ko
- Brooke M. Henderson
- Celine Boutier
- Hye-Jin Choi
- Chanettee Wannasaen
- Maja Stark
- Yuka Saso
- Patty Tavatanakit
- Rose Zhang
- Jennifer Kupcho
- Megan Khang
- Nataliya Guseva
- A Lim Kim
- Narin An
- Nasa Hataoka
- Gabriela Ruffels
- Lucy Li
- Amy Yang
- Sarah Schmelzel
- Somi Lee
- Lindy Duncan
- Gaby Lopez
- Mi Hyang Lee
- Kristen Gillman
- Yan Liu
- Ilhee Lee
- Minami Katsu
- Saki Baba
- Leona Maguire
- Wei-Ling Hsu
- Cassie Porter
- Jenny Shin
- Haeji Kang
- Moriya Jutanugarn
- Elizabeth Szokol
- Karis Davidson
- Weiwei Zhang
- Albane Valenzuela
- Yuri Yoshida
- Gemma Dryburgh
- Brooke Matthews
- Dewi Weber
- Minjee Lee
- Hyo Joo Kim
- Rio Takeda
- Miyu Yamashita
- Yealimi Noh
- Carlota Ciganda
- Chisato Iwai
- Madelene Sagstrom
- Ina Yoon
- Andrea Lee
- Ingrid Lindblad
- Youmin Hwang
- Stephanie Kyriacou
- Auston Kim
- Allisen Corpuz
- Hyunjo Yoo
- Cara Gainer
- Mimi Rhodes
- Sara Kouskova
- Darcey Harry
- In Gee Chun
- Sayaka Takahashi
- Eri Okayama
- Shuri Sakuma
- Sora Kamiya
- Sakura Koiwai
- Clarisa Temelo (a)
- Jeneath Wong (a)
- Carla Bernat Escuder (a)
- Paula Martin Sampedro (a)
What Lydia Ko’s Upcoming Defense Means for Women’s Golf
Lydia Ko’s preparation to defend her title at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl highlights not only her continued status among the elite golfers worldwide but also the evolving competitive nature of women’s golf. With an extensive and talented lineup of players entering the event, the tournament promises a fierce contest that will test skill, resilience, and strategic mastery.
Ko’s historic 2024 victory at St Andrews set a benchmark for her career and for New Zealand golf, inspiring many across the globe. Her anticipation and reflection, as revealed through her memento post, add a personal and heartfelt dimension to the lead-up for this significant major championship.
The AIG Women’s Open 2025 will be watched keenly by fans and experts alike, as the tournament’s new venue and competitive field make it a compelling stage for golf’s rising stars and established champions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Lydia Ko so good?
A. Ko excels at making successful short shots near the greens, often putting her in a winning spot. PGA Coach Brendon Elliott observed Ko during the HSBC Women’s World Championship. He noted some important tips that any golfer could use to enhance their chipping and pitching skills.
Q. Has Lydia Ko had a hole in one?
A. During the final round of the Rio 2016 Olympic golf tournament, Lydia Ko achieved a hole-in-one on the 8th hole.