While defending her title at the 2025 AIG Women’s Open held at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Mid Glamorgan, Lydia Ko wrote an emotional letter addressed to her 15-year-old self. The letter captures her journey through the challenges and victories she has faced as a professional golfer, inspiring resilience and self-belief.
Throughout her career, Lydia Ko’s name has become synonymous with early success and remarkable achievements in golf, making her story highly motivational. The phrase
“Lydia Ko emotional letter to self”
has gained attention in sports circles following this personal revelation.
The Journey of Lydia Ko: From Young Prodigy to Golf Champion
Lydia Ko’s rise in professional golf has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 17 years, 9 months, and 9 days old, she clinched the world number one ranking, marking her as one of the youngest players ever to do so. She has accumulated 23 LPGA Tour victories and holds the title of reigning Olympic champion. Recently featured in a video by Rolex on August 1, Ko shared insights about her path.
In the video, the LPGA Hall of Famer reads aloud a moving letter highlighting her personal growth and determination. She encourages her younger self with the words:
“…so much is about to happen, wonderful things and hard things. You will learn and grow as a person from all of them. You will lose track of all the firsts and the youngest evers you said. Never take a single day, a single moment for granted.”
The letter conveys the reality of navigating success and setbacks, reminding herself and others that perseverance is key.
Ko also emphasized an important lesson about golf’s unpredictability during the clip:
“The truest axiom of golf is this, no matter how you are playing, it will change. Just as quickly as the game can slip away with hard work and self-belief, it can come back.”
Early Success and Foundations of a Golf Career
Lydia Ko’s golfing story began when she was just five years old, after her mother introduced her to the sport by taking her to a golf shop. By the age of fifteen, Ko had already secured multiple McCormack Medals from 2011 to 2013, highlighting her as a top amateur player globally. Additionally, she claimed victories at the 2012 NSW Women’s Open and the CN Canadian Women’s Open in both 2012 and 2013.
Notably, Ko became the youngest golfer to win an LPGA Tour event in 2012, achieving this title at just fifteen years and four months old. These early accomplishments set the tone for her career and established her as a formidable figure in professional golf.
Partnership with Rolex and Continued Career Milestones
Lydia Ko’s collaboration with Rolex began in 2014, a period when she was still building her professional profile. The renowned watch brand appointed her as an official testimonee, recognizing her potential in golf. Over the years, Ko’s success flourished; in 2015, she became the youngest woman to win the Amundi Evian Championship and secured the LPGA Rolex Player of the Year award the same year.
Her achievements continued, and in 2022 she reclaimed the number one position in the Rolex Rankings after winning the CME Group Tour Championship for the second time. As part of her partnership, Ko often wears Rolex timepieces, with the Rolex Yacht Master 40 in Everose Gold being a standout in her collection.
The Impact of Ko’s Reflections and What Lies Ahead
Lydia Ko’s emotional letter serves not only as a personal remembrance but also as a source of encouragement for young athletes and fans worldwide. By sharing her experiences—including moments of doubt, triumph, and growth—she highlights the importance of embracing every phase of life with determination and hope.
As she competes in major tournaments like the AIG Women’s Open, Ko continues to inspire through her dedication and resilience. Her story promises to influence the next generation of golfers, while her ongoing partnership with Rolex symbolizes the blend of precision and perseverance required in the sport.