Lydia Ko wins her third major, cementing legacy as one of greatest golfers of generation

By AJU PRESS Posted : August 26, 2024, 11:03 Updated : August 26, 2024, 11:03
SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - Lydia Ko etched her name into golf history on Sunday, capturing the AIG Women's British Open only weeks after becoming the first golfer to win three consecutive Olympic medals. The victory at the historic St. Andrews Old Course marked Ko's third major championship title.
 
Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses for the media with the trophy for winning the Women's British Open golf championship in St. Andrews, Scotland, on Aug. 25. AP-Yonhap

Ko, a 27-year-old New Zealander, closed out the tournament with a 3-under-par 69 in the final round, finishing two strokes ahead of a group tied for second, including Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Jiyai Shin.

The win comes on the heels of Ko's gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She also secured silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020. Her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame earlier this year further solidified her status as one of the greatest golfers of her generation.

"It's been an incredible few weeks," Ko said after her victory. "To win the Olympic gold medal and then come here and win the AIG Women's Open, it's something I never thought was possible."

Ko's triumph at St. Andrews, considered one of the most iconic courses in golf, added another layer of significance to her achievement. "To be a champion here at the Old Course is a dream come true," she said.

Ko's marriage in 2022 to Jung Joon, the son of Hyundai Card vice chairman Chung Tae-young. has added a new dimension to her life. She has spoken about how her husband is a source of support and inspiration for her, and she is grateful for his love and companionship.
 
Lydia Ko prepares to play her tee shot on the 17th hole during the final round of the Women's British Open golf championship, in St. Andrews, Scotland, on Aug. 25. AP-Yonhap

The final round of the AIG Women's Open was a tense affair, with several players having a chance to win. Ko, however, held her nerve and made key putts down the stretch to secure the victory.

Ko's win marks her 21st career LPGA victory and her third major title. She joins an elite group of golfers who have won three or more major championships.

The victory also solidifies Ko's status as one of the best players in the world. She has consistently been near the top of the LPGA rankings in recent years and has shown no signs of slowing down.

With her Olympic gold medal, Hall of Fame induction, and multiple major championship victories, Ko has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest golfers of her generation.

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