Lydia Ko is set to make her 12th start in the 2025 LPGA season by defending her title at the AIG Women’s Open, scheduled from July 31 to August 3 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales. Before the Major, Ko was seen offering advice to fellow New Zealand golfer Amelia Garvey at the venue, emphasizing the significance of preparation ahead of this prestigious event.
Coming off a missed cut at the Amundi Evian Championship, where she finished 5-over, Ko aims to rebound strongly at the final Major of the season. Garvey posted a photo of the two golfers together with their bags at Royal Porthcawl on her Instagram story, which Ko later shared with her 321,000 followers. Their interaction highlights the support and camaraderie within the New Zealand golfing community.
Last year, Ko claimed three titles, including a 7-under victory at the AIG Women’s Open. This was especially remarkable given her missed cut at the same event in 2023. Through 2025, Ko has competed in 11 tournaments, securing one win at the HSBC Women’s World Championship and three top-10 finishes, though she has recently endured consecutive missed cuts at the Dow Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship.
Ko’s statistics this season reflect consistent performance across key areas. She ranks third in both Strokes Gained Around the Green and Par 5 Scoring Average, and holds fourth place in Scrambling. Her overall Total Strokes Gained averages 1.62, placing her 11th on the LPGA leaderboard. While her Tee to Green figure stands at 0.73 (34th) and Approach Shots at 0.43 (38th), her Off the Tee stats lag at -0.24 (114th). Notably, her putting remains a strength, gaining 0.80 strokes and ranking 16th.
Ko Discusses Career Reflections and Anticipates Challenge at Royal Porthcawl
In a candid conversation on the No Laying Up podcast, Ko revealed moments of uncertainty about her professional golf future. She admitted that there are days when she questions why she continues competing but remains motivated to improve thanks to the support of her team.
“I honestly don’t know how long I am going to be around for. One-hundred percent, there are days when I come off the golf course and I’m like ‘why am I still doing this’. But I still want to get better and I’ve got a great team around me that’s helping me with that process,” Ko said.
Looking ahead to the tournament location, Ko expressed excitement about playing at Royal Porthcawl, a course known for its pastoral scenes with many sheep around, which she joked might remind her of New Zealand. The venue has a rich history of hosting events like the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, and Senior Open, but this will be its first time hosting a women’s Major.
The 2025 AIG Women’s Open will test Ko’s skills on a new stage, and her experience combined with her recent form makes her a compelling contender to defend her title. Her approach to embracing fresh challenges and mentoring peers like Amelia Garvey signals her dedication to both personal growth and the advancement of New Zealand golf on the world stage.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Lydia Ko so good?
A. Ko is excellent at playing short shots near the green, often putting herself in a winning position. During the HSBC Women’s World Championship, PGA Coach Brendon Elliott observed her skills. He identified several tips that any golfer could use to enhance their chipping and pitching techniques.
Q. Is Lydia Ko religious?
A. Ko’s Catholic faith is just as crucial for staying balanced. It helps her manage stress and view things clearly. “Faith brings me belief, peace, and comfort,” Ko explained.