One week ago, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko was standing amid a podium with Nelly Korda and Mone Inami, receiving the second Olympic medal of her career at Kasumigaseki Country Club.
The bronze medal she earned, another relic to add to the always-growing collection of accomplishments the 24-year-old has amassed in her golfing career.
Dedicating the win to her country and her grandmother, who unfortunately passed prior to the event, Ko gave possession of the bronze to her sister, Sura, to take back to the United States.
The major champion went straight from Tokyo to the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, and started the first day of competition with a first-round 70 to sit in a tie for 24th.
“I actually hit the ball really good. My ball-striking was really good. I think I had like 35 or 34 putts. I didn’t really make anything that I could have. It was kind of a very stress-free 2-under and feel like I could have shot a lot lower considering it was so calm for the majority of our round,” said Ko.
“Hopefully be able to keep the same good feels for the long game and I can hole a few more over the next few days.”
Ko is playing in her fourth Women’s Scottish Open, where she delivered her best finish back in 2020 (T12). She’s never recorded lower than a 67, but said she loves the opportunity to be back on the links, especially before the final major championship of the season next week.
“I love playing links golf. You have to hit some different types of shots and be very creative. It’s fun and I think this course is a really good lead-up to Carnoustie,” said Ko.
“It’s actually very mature considering it’s only been open 18 months or so. Yeah, you would think it’s been around for a long time. I think the golf course is great. It’s a unique setup and I think especially when the wind is quite low, I think it can be gettable.
“So just have to play smart but I know it’s going to be pretty windy tomorrow. So, play smart and see what happens.”
Michele Thomson walked away with the 18-hole lead after recording a 7-under 65, a season-best for her on the Ladies European Tour. The Aberdeen native regrouped after a bogey on the first hole to card an eagle on No. 2 and went on to birdie seven of her final 11 holes.
Ko tees off in round two at 11.54pm NZT Friday at the coverage begins on Sky Sport 6 at 2am.
