The ultimate final stroke for Lydia Ko? The New Zealand golfer had always been clear about her intentions to retire before reaching the age of thirty. However, the 27-year-old is now uncertain about dedicating three more years of her life to playing golf. Having turned professional over ten years ago, Lydia Ko shared in February, “I’m honestly taking it day by day and week by week. When that time comes, you’re almost in the middle of the year and then you’re finished with the majors and all that. So I don’t have a specific date in mind for retirement.”
While Ko may continue to be seen on the golf course in the LPGA Tour on a few more occasions, one thing is definite. Her Olympic journey has come to an end, and it must be acknowledged that she did indeed achieve the perfect conclusion.
Lydia Ko secured the gold medal for New Zealand at the 2024 Paris Olympics. On Saturday, she defeated Germany’s Esther Henseleit by a margin of two strokes to complete her full set of medals. Ko was just one point away from being inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, and her victory has now made her the 35th player to join this prestigious list. In 2016, she won the silver medal, and in the previous edition in 2020, she claimed the bronze.
A few hours after being crowned the champion, Ko took to her Instagram account to announce her triumph and express her emotions. She admitted, “The Paris 2024 games mark the end of my Olympic career, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect ending to bring home a gold medal for my country.” She further added that representing her nation has been one of her greatest achievements, and she feels grateful to have the opportunity to hear the national anthem while standing on the podium in Paris.
Last month, during the Amundi Evian Championship Press Conference, Lydia Ko hinted at her uncertain plans for retirement. She expressed excitement about the future, but admitted that she had no idea how long she would continue playing golf. Whether it be five years, ten years, or just one year, Ko’s retirement timeline remains uncertain. However, fans will have the opportunity to see her play at the AIG Women’s Open in St. Andrews, marking her final European stretch this year.
Lydia Ko is not the only golfer from the younger generation considering an early retirement. Many players, like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, do not wish to remain on the greens for as long as their predecessors. Following in Ko’s footsteps, Lexi Thompson has also decided to retire.
Throughout her career on the LPGA Tour, Lexi Thompson has achieved great success, winning a total of eleven tournaments, including one Major. Unlike most players, Thompson started her golf journey at a young age. In 2007, at just twelve years old, she made her debut at the US Women’s Open and became the youngest player to make the cut.
However, the 29-year-old golfer has faced challenges during the 2024 season. She has failed to make the cut in five out of her first seven starts, with four consecutive disappointments. Thompson has not secured a victory since the 2019 ShopRite LPGA Classic in June. After much contemplation, she has made the decision to retire from full-time competition by the end of this year. Despite her recent struggles, Thompson looks back on her decorated career with pride and plans to leave the sport on a high note.
Photo from Lydia Ko Instagram
