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August 13, 2024
3 min
Lydia Ko's journey to greatness culminates with a Paris 2024 gold medal and her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lydia Ko not only clinched the gold medal in women's golf but also secured her place among the sport’s all-time greats with her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. This monumental achievement marks a new chapter in Ko's illustrious career, making her the youngest Hall of Fame inductee under the current criteria and the first golfer in the modern era to earn three Olympic medals.
Ko’s path to Olympic glory was anything but straightforward. Heading into the final round at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Ko was tied for the lead at nine under par with Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux. With top competitors like Rose Zhang and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita close behind, the final 18 holes were set to be some of the most intense in Olympic golf history.
The drama unfolded early in the round, with Metraux faltering and Ko bogeying her opening hole. However, Ko quickly regained her composure, delivering birdies on the 3rd and 7th holes to take a two-shot lead. By the time she reached the 9th hole, Ko had extended her lead to four shots, giving her a comfortable cushion for the back nine.
Yet, the road to victory was far from smooth. A double-bogey on the 13th hole slashed her lead to just three shots, with Germany’s Esther Henseleit hot on her heels. Henseleit birdied the 17th and 18th holes, cutting Ko’s lead to a single stroke and setting the stage for a nerve-wracking finish.
Ko, however, remained unshaken. She played the final par-5 hole with precision, laying up and then landing her approach shot close to the pin. A calm and collected birdie putt on the 18th sealed her victory by two strokes, crowning her as the Olympic champion and securing her a place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.
For Ko, this victory was about more than just a gold medal; it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. With this win, she earned the final point needed for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, becoming its 35th member and the first from New Zealand.
The Hall of Fame has stringent entry requirements, including 27 points earned through LPGA tournament wins, major championships, Player of the Year awards, and, as of recently, Olympic medals. Ko’s gold medal at Paris 2024 brought her total to the magic number, capping off a career filled with extraordinary achievements.
Reflecting on her journey, Ko was emotional. “It’s a hell of a way to do it,” she said, her voice breaking as the New Zealand national anthem played. “I feel like I’m living in a fairytale. It couldn’t have been scripted any better, and I’m so grateful for everything that has led me to this moment.”
Lydia Ko’s victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics is more than just a win; it’s a testament to her resilience, skill, and unwavering dedication to the sport she loves. As she raised her arms in triumph on the 18th green, tears streaming down her face, the world witnessed a culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. In that moment, Ko didn’t just secure a gold medal or a Hall of Fame spot—she solidified her legacy as one of golf’s greatest champions, inspiring countless others with her journey. This victory is not just another chapter in her story; it’s a defining moment that will be remembered for generations to come.
