Lydia Ko caps a spectacular year by winning the 2024 AIG Women’s Open

Decisive moments down the stretch

The final phase of the tournament was characterized by a series of pivotal moments. Nelly Korda, who had assumed the lead with a birdie on the 10th hole, had a significant setback with a double bogey on the 14th. This allowed Lydia Ko, Jiyai Shin, and Lilia Vu to achieve a tie at the top at 6 under par. As precipitation levels increased, the atmosphere on the course became noticeably tense.

Lydia Ko demonstrated resilience in the face of a challenging environment. A crucial par on the 16th hole maintained her competitive position, and a precise drive with her 3-wood into the renowned Road Hole (17th hole) secured another vital par.

She then proceeded to the 18th hole, where she was aware that a birdie would be necessary to establish a solid clubhouse score.

Lydia Ko demonstrated remarkable precision in her approach to the ball, placing it within two meters of the hole and successfully executing the putt, which brought her to 7 under par. From that point onward, the outcome of the competition hinged on the performance of her rivals.

Shin and Korda missed their opportunities on the 17th hole, leaving Vu as the sole contender for a playoff. However, Vu was unable to capitalize on her chance, missing a short putt on the final hole, resulting in Ko’s victory by two strokes.

A win that cements Lydia Ko’s legend

By winning her third major, Lydia Ko has not only added to her impressive list of achievements but has also consolidated her position as one of the great figures in women’s golf. This victory at St. Andrews, the site of the sport’s earliest recorded games, is especially significant for Ko, who joins the ranks of the most accomplished golfers to have won at this emblematic course.

Beyond the trophies, Ko’s victory at the AIG Women’s Open marks a significant milestone in an already distinguished career. At just 27 years of age, she has already achieved a level of success that places her among the best in the industry.

This victory, following a lengthy interval since her last major in 2016, exemplifies her capacity to perform at the highest level in challenging circumstances and under significant pressure.

In her post-victory comments, Lydia Ko stated:

“It is a dream come true to win here at St. Andrews. This place is special, and to achieve it in these conditions makes it even more memorable.”

Undoubtedly, this win at the AIG Women’s Open will be remembered as one of the great moments in the career of Lydia Ko, who continues to establish herself as a prominent figure in the history of golf.