Lydia Ko Sinks Seven Birdies En Route to Lotte Championship Win

Once again, Lydia Ko was untouchable.

No one came close to the 23-year old at this week’s Lotte Championship as she torched Kapolei Golf Club and tournament records en route to the championship win. With a final-round 65 on Saturday, Ko finished at 28-under and seven shots ahead of second place. 

Soon to be 24, Ko’s performance brought back memories of her performances as a teenager when she became the youngest golfer to rise to No. 1 in the world in 2015. She became the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA event at the 2012 CN Canadian Women’s Open at the age of 15. But her last win came three years ago, at the 2018 LPGA Mediheal Championship.

“When it doesn’t happen you do doubt,” Ko said. “If I said I didn’t doubt myself at all it would be a lie. I wondered if I’d ever be back in the winners circle, but obviously I’m grateful for all that’s happened in my career so far. It’s been a fun week in Hawaii and to be back in this position is obviously super cool.”

Ko came within three strokes of the LPGA record of 31 under, set by Sei Young Kim who finished tied second with Inbee Park, Nelly Korda and Irish rookie Leona Maguire at 21 under.

She finished the day with seven birdies, five of which came in the back nine.

Up-and-down for birdie

Leader by seven
One hole to play

Watch Lydia Ko's finish now on @GolfChannel! pic.twitter.com/WLPsHr4VrZ

— LPGA (@LPGA) April 18, 2021

On the final hole Ko settled for par to get her back in the winner’s circle.

1,084 days later…

Lydia Ko is back in the winner's circle at the @LPGALOTTE 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KYA6qHeCx8

— LPGA (@LPGA) April 18, 2021

While low rounds were commonplace this week, nobody came close to touching Ko. Ko admitted that she was inspired by Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth’s recent performances, two golfers who also went a long time between wins.

Days between victories:@JordanSpieth - 1,351
Hideki Matsuyama - 1,344
Lydia Ko - 1,084

Back to their winning ways. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/E612l5l0SK

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 18, 2021

“I think it’s a great on her,” Park said. “She definitely had her really good times and she really definitely struggled in the middle there, and to come back strong like this is great to see.”

Oh, and shoutout to this cameraman who is doing the absolute most. Hustlers get it done:

Shoutout to this Golf Channel cameraman who absolutely BOOKED IT after Lydia Ko's shot to get to Nelly Korda in time for her shot. pic.twitter.com/vvhUeVrtth

— Ryan Ballengee (@RyanBallengee) April 17, 2021