‘Being Vulnerable’: The Sole Reason for Lydia Ko’s Continued Escape From the Wheel of Pressure Is a Single-Old Mantra

Lydia Ko won her first major at an age when Tiger Woods was yet to win his first U.S. amateur. The year was 2016, and the New Zealand phenom was striding forward with outstanding form and record-breaking performances. Becoming the youngest of any gender to reach world no. 1 at 17 years and to win a whopping 12 trophies between 2014 and 2016, Ko was dubbed a golf prodigy in the making.

With GOAT-level expectations on her shoulders, Ko’s career has taken a ‘downturn’ since 2017. For almost three years, she had a barren run that prompted many analysts to write her off in the golf ledger of wasted talents. But Ko kept her feet on the ground, never looking away from reality and never shying away from opening up about her vulnerability. Last year, she came back with a bang, winning three trophies and notching 14 top-10 finishes. Now, in a podcast, the 25-year-old golfer reveals what has kept her motivated over the years.

Lydia Ko reveals her mantra for sailing through difficult times

Before moving to Shanghai for the Buick LPGA, the New Zealand golfer sat with Amy and Anna Jackson for the ‘Spill the Tee’ podcast. The Aucklander opened up about her mental health, hectic travel schedule, and the axiom that she follows on and off the greens.

Ko’s family forms the backbone of her mental support during difficult times. “I’m very lucky my family are (sic) there to see me for who I am.” A thankful Ko confesses.

Despite experiencing multiple successes, the New Zealand native likes to keep her feet grounded. The two-time major winner cried, hugging her caddie, after the CME Group Tour Championship win in 2022. Speaking about being open to emotional upheavals, the 26-year-old golfer said, “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to be honest with your emotions.”

The 19-time LPGA Tour winner talked about mental health as well. A golfer’s life is often hard. Most people expect sportspeople to be rock solid all the time.

Read More: Lydia Ko Sketches a Career Change Through a Special French Flair After a Forgetful LPGA Season

The golfer believes that sometimes sportspeople also need to be vulnerable. Otherwise, showing off toughness on the outside for too long can take a toll on mental health. “You’re not sure if being vulnerable is not a good thing, but I think it is a good thing.” This was not the first time the golfer had spoken about her mental health, however.

Ko has learned to embrace life as it comes

Ko sustained her top rank for a mammoth 85 weeks between October 2015 and June 2017. However, after the massive high came a striking low that saw the golf prodigy slip to number 59 on the world rankings.

She admitted it’s tough to stay on top of the game week in and week out. But with more experience, she has learned to be open to failure and the criticism that comes with it. “The moral of the story of life is that you have to embrace whatever hand you are dealt.” The LPGA star opened up in a Golf Digest interview earlier. This time too, it was no exception.

Ko has achieved so many career milestones at such an early age that it’s easy to forget she is just 26. Still in her prime and brimming with positivity, the Auckland native is sure to rack up more titles under her belt.

Watch this Story | Amid Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko’s Faltered 2023 Year, LPGA Star Min Jee Lee Engraves Her Name in the Elite List By Virtue of Her $300,000 Gallantry Potrayal