Lydia Ko achieved a career milestone by winning the gold medal in the women’s golf competition at the Paris Olympics, marking her second Olympic medal after securing silver in Rio and bronze in Tokyo. The 27-year-old New Zealand golfer made her intentions clear ahead of the event, stating that the Paris Games would be her last Olympics.
Ko finished the tournament with a score of 10-under 278, carding a final round of 1-under 71 at Le Golf National, capturing the gold medal by two strokes. Her victory also brought her total to 27 points, meeting the criteria for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, making her the second-youngest player, behind Karrie Webb, to achieve this.
Throughout the final round, Ko built a five-shot lead, only to see her margin reduced to one stroke in the final hour. However, she maintained her composure and sealed the victory with a 7-foot birdie putt. German golfer Esther Henseleit finished in second place, while Xiyu Lin of China secured the bronze medal with a late birdie.
For Ko, the moment was sweetened by a quote from gymnast Simone Biles, which she had written in her yardage book: “I get to write my own ending.” Emphasizing her determination, Ko reflected on the opportunity she had to control her fate and described winning the gold as a dream come true.
Despite a solid start, several competitors, including reigning Olympic champion Nelly Korda, faltered as the tournament progressed. Korda struggled in the closing stretch, ultimately finishing with a score of 75, which hindered her chances for a medal.
The dramatic final round showcased the pressure of Olympic competition, with numerous players facing challenges that shifted the leaderboard. Yet, in the end, it was Lydia Ko who stood triumphantly on the podium, celebrating her remarkable achievement in both her golf career and the Olympics.