Confidence or the lack of it. That is the one thing that makes a ton of difference for Lydia Ko. Her poor form in 2023 and her rough show in 2024 made her question her future in the sport. “My mum tells me I was a better golfer at 15 than I am now,” she told ‘Golf Monthly’ in a new interview. But the downward spiral had made her wonder whether her achievements in 2022 were just a fluke.

“It is all down to confidence. That is such a massive thing. Not much is different with your game. But when you feel good about yourself you get into a really good rhythm and the game feels just a little easier. Not much, but enough to make a difference in terms of results.”

However, in 2024, Ko became the first golfer to complete her Olympic medals set: She won a gold in Paris and a silver and bronze in the previous two Games. That being said, she has some big goals that she intends to achieve in the next few years, perhaps before she retires for good.

The New Zealand national has been seen enjoying her life a little too much back home during the break. As soon as the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational ended, Lydia Ko boarded a plane and traveled back to her home country immediately. What was supposed to be an ordinary visit to the family turned into a dream for Ko. Soon after landing in New Zealand, she was awarded the title of the ‘Dame’ before her name. From migrating to New Zealand to winning the Olympics for her nation and now being honored with the highest title awarded to a citizen, Ko has come a long way in her life.

But she still has a few more goals in her life, particularly becoming a Grand Slam champion in golf. Ko has already captured the 2015 Evian Championship, the 2016 Chevron Championship, and the 2024 AIG Women’s Open. However, there are still two majors that evade her.

Speaking to Golf Monthly, Ko shared her next biggest goals in professional golf. The 27-year-old aims to win the US Women’s Open and Women’s PGA Championship within the next couple of years. Why is she limiting it to two years? It seems that the 22x LPGA Tour winner is looking at a bigger picture in life.

Ko hopes that she can become a Grand Slam champion before turning 30 as she plans to step away from the sport after that. She stated: “I don’t know when that moment is right now, although I’ve always said that I can’t see myself playing after I’m 30.

“I got to spend three weeks back home in New Zealand at the end of 2024 for the first time in a few years, and it felt great. I really enjoyed not having to live out of a suitcase, and I want more of that – so the Grand Slam had better happen soon!”

This suggests that she doesn’t like traveling the world to play professional golf, which can become exhausting, and wants to settle down after achieving everything in the sport. It seems that her dream to be a Grand Slam champion is the only thing that’s holding her back. It’s great to see Lydia Ko have a clear vision of her future. Her fans might also be pleased with her goals. However, this might ring some alarm bells in the LPGA Tour headquarters.

Lydia Ko’s decision may cause turmoil in the LPGA Tour office…

Lydia Ko’s decision to step away is quite concerning for the LPGA Tour. Watching their biggest stars retire at an early age won’t please them. Lexi Thompson had also stepped away from full-time professional golf after finishing the 2024 season of the Tour at age 29.

She seems to be genuinely happy after retirement as she often shares pictures of her life on her social media. Thompson also showed off her insane body transformation as she is determined to achieve her other goals in life. “Do what makes you happy and feel your strongest,” wrote alongside the image.

The news of Lexi Thompson’s retirement had been all over the headlines last year. However, there were a few other pros who also stepped away in 2024. Ally Ewing was one of the names who played her last LPGA Tour event in 2024. She held her last club as a professional golfer in the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship.

Then Brittany Lincicome also announced that she wouldn’t be playing as a full-time professional golfer anymore in late 2024. But it is a choice she is content with. She wants to be there for her children.

So in the wake of this, the LPGA Tour might not want to lose their biggest star just yet. How do you think the LPGA Tour can ensure their stars do not retire early? Share your views in the comments section.