Lydia Ko, the Olympic champion and Women’s British Open winner, has reaffirmed her commitment to retiring from professional golf before the age of 30, even after her recent string of successes. The 27-year-old New Zealander, who recently triumphed in both Paris and at St. Andrews, has emphasized that these victories will not alter her long-held plan to step away from the sport while still at the top of her game.
Ko has stated that she intends to pursue other interests outside of golf, acknowledging that the sport, while significant, does not define her entire life. “I know for a fact I’m probably never playing past 30,” she told Radio New Zealand. “What has happened in the last few weeks doesn’t change my timeline. … I want to leave the game while I’m still playing well.” However, Ko has indicated that she will consult her family before making any final decisions regarding her retirement.
The recent marriage and her self-described role as a “dog mom” highlight a shift in her priorities, where golf no longer occupies the sole focus of her life. She has expressed a desire to find fulfillment beyond the golf course.
Ko’s recent triumphs mark a turning point after a challenging period in her career. While she didn’t win any LPGA tournaments or majors in 2022, she secured victories in the Saudi Ladies International and the Grant Thornton Invitational mixed teams tournament with Australian Jason Day. Her Olympic success, after claiming silver and bronze medals previously, served as a strong reminder of her enduring talent and a symbolic end to a challenging period.
Ko’s commitment to her retirement plan underscores a conscious decision to embrace life beyond professional golf. Despite her recent successes, she remains steadfast in her desire to create a balanced life beyond the sport, emphasizing that golf, while a significant part of her, does not constitute her whole identity.
