After a winless season, you’d expect Jin Young Ko to be disappointed. But the former world No. 1 LPGA pro feels surprisingly delighted. Ko’s 2024 season has been a test of endurance. Despite not winning a single title this year, she’s grateful for her improved health. “I had so much pain last year,” she said recently, referring to her knee and wrist injuries that forced her to withdraw from the 2023 CME Group Tour Championship.

The 29-year-old South Korean pro’s comeback to the CME Group Tour Championship is intriguing. Issues with her wrist started in 2020 but the same year she won the CME Group Tour Championship despite a painful wrist. In 2021, she triumphed in three events, defending her title at the season-ending Tour Championship. And in 2023, she won the HSBC Women’s World Championship and Cognizant Founders Cup, all while managing painful injuries. Before the 2023 season finale, she injured her knee and had to undergo an MRI.

Now, with the last event of the 2024 LPGA season, Ko is feeling rejuvenated and is eager to compete again. At her press conference on November 21, 2024, it was clear that being injury-free has given her a fresh outlook. Jin Young Ko is now focusing on maximizing her potential and is really grateful to be back. Keeping that emotion, she said, “Yeah, I had so much pain last year from my knees and wrist, but this year I don’t have any injury for this year, so it’s really, really thankful being here. Like whole body is like perfect right now, so I’m very thankful and very happy.” 

When asked about her strategy for success at this golf course, Ko reflected on the lessons she’s learned over the past four years. “I have great memories here,” she said. Despite the chilly and breezy conditions during the press conference, Ko was enthusiastic and expressed that she “loves the golf course.” Rather than feeling sad for not winning even one match till now, she expressed gratitude for being among the top 60 players who get to play in the $11M event. 

With her injuries behind her, do you think Ko can have her glorious time on the course back?

Can Jin Young Ko recapture her world No. 1 position this time?

After the first day of play, Ko sits at T11 with 4 under. Given she keeps the momentum and keeps on carding stellar scores, she could be in contention and even win the tournament. Although, this will not push her to the apex position in the Rolex Rankings but will definitely nudge her from the ninth position.

Jin Young Ko’s resilience has been tested time and again, but her unwavering determination hints at a breakthrough. In 2022, amidst wrist pain, she vowed, “Even though I am having a hard time right now, the two events will make me stronger.”

With the No. 1 position five different times since April 2019, Ko has demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure. Her unbreakable spirit has made everyone wonder whether the South Korean star joins the ranks of Nelly Korda. With a staggering 69.5 stroke average, Naples presents an open door for Ko to reclaim her wins.