Lydia Ko was already a golfing legend, but now it has become official: “I am so proud of myself”

Lydia Ko has reached the pinnacle of her career by winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. And she didn’t have to wait long for it to go from an ethereal concept to a concrete reality, as minutes after her victory at Le Golf National, her name was officially inducted into the super-exclusive LPGA Hall of Fame.

The Kiwi became the 26th player to earn induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, an institution known for being one of the most selective of its kind when it comes to inducting new members.

In a performance that surpassed all expectations, Ko began the final round with a five-shot lead at Le Golf National de Paris. However, she then faced a series of challenges that tested her composure.

Although her lead was reduced to one stroke at some point, a crucial seven-foot birdie on the 18th hole allowed her to secure victory with a one-under-par 71 card, ahead of Germany’s Esther Henseleit and China’s Xiyu Lin, who took silver and bronze respectively.

The final round lived up to the high standards Lydia Ko had set for the Olympics and for the history of the spectacular sport itself. Ko’s rivals ran into unexpected difficulties, allowing her to maintain her composure until the 13th hole. However, a double bogey on that hole reduced her lead to just three shots.

Ruoning Yin, who had moved to within one stroke of the lead, and Hannah Green, who had made an impressive comeback, were unable to maintain their positions due to bogeys and critical errors. Morgane Metraux, Miyu Yamashita and Rose Zhang were also out of contention after very poor rounds.

Germany’s Esther Henseleit emerged as the main rival for Lydia Ko, after an impresive final round 66. Hoever, the Kiwi was able to make crucial putts for par on the 17th and for birdie on the 18th, and finally secured the dramatic victory with a birdie on the 18th hole at Le Golf National.

In a post-round interview, Lydia Ko explained her situation on the final hole, which she reached with a one-stroke lead over Henseleit:

“It was all about hitting the drive and the second shot down the fairway,” she told EFE. “I knew if I could do that I had a good chance of winning gold. I kept saying to myself, I am so proud of myself. I never say that. It seems weird to say it to yourself, but I kept telling myself that I was proud of myself no matter what. “I’m looking forward to reliving it through the highlights and not just being in this position again,”

The LPGA Hall of Fame: Lydia Ko’s pinnacle of recognition

The LPGA Hall of Fame is one of the most prestigious honors in women’s golf. Lydia Ko reached this threshold with her gold medal in Paris, becoming the youngest player inthe institution’s history under current rules.

This recognition celebrates her victories and records as well as her impact on the sport. Lydia Ko has served as an inspiration to many young women pursuing a career in golf, while raising the profile of women’s golf on a global scale. Her induction into the Hall of Fame underscores her significant impact on the sport and the magnitude of her legacy.

Lydia Ko set numerous records at an early age and established herself as one of the most prominent figures in international golf. At the age of 15 years, 4 months and 2 days, Ko became the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history when she won the 2012 Canadian Women’s Open.

Just three years later, at 17 years, 9 months and 9 days, she reached the top spot in the women’s world golf rankings, becoming the youngest person, male or female, to achieve the feat. That same year, at 18 years, 4 months and 20 days, Ko became the youngest major champion in women’s golf history after winning the Amundi Evian Championship.

Then, at 18 years, 11 months and 9 days, Lydia made history again by becoming the youngest player to win two majors with her victory at the 2016 Chevron Championship. Finally, at 27 years, 3 months and 17 days, Ko is the youngest individual to be inducted into the Women’s Golf Hall of Fame under the current criteria.

This reaffirms her status as a legend in the sport at an age when many are just beginning their careers.