At Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, the rhythm of professional golf plays out daily. Players cross paths on practice greens. They share gym sessions in the early hours. Former World No. 1 Lydia Ko observes this routine with keen interest. Meanwhile, her recent words about fellow pro Leona Maguire carry special weight in the golf world.

The Irish star’s journey through 2023 tells a story of resilience through adversity. Her world ranking plummeted from 10th to 54th. She managed just one top-10 finish on the LPGA Tour, down from six the previous year. Additionally, her putting statistics dropped significantly. She fell to 57th on Tour, losing nearly five shots per tournament on the greens. The majors proved particularly challenging. She missed three out of five cuts despite holding a 54-hole lead at the KPMG PGA Championship. Yet amid these setbacks, Maguire persevered. She captured a historic win at the Aramco Series in London, becoming the first Irish winner on the Ladies European Tour. The victory showcased her fighting spirit during a testing season.

But beyond the tournament results and statistics, a different story unfolds at Lake Nona, where daily interactions reveal the true measure of a champion’s character.

LPGA insights: Lydia Ko shares Lake Nona story

Lydia Ko’s firsthand observations of Leona Maguire reveal an untold story. Their connection goes beyond casual practice rounds. Since COVID, they’ve shared a unique training ritual: the push-up challenge. “If somebody makes a birdie, you have to do five; if I make a bogey, I have to do five,” Ko explains with a laugh. The stakes are higher than in traditional money games. Players sometimes knock out 25 push-ups in just nine holes. These moments of friendly competition reveal a deeper bond.

“She works hard, and she’s one of the hardest-working people I know,” states Ko. Both players sync their training schedules at Lake Nona. They move from practice to gym sessions in lockstep. This daily proximity allowed Ko to witness Maguire’s unwavering dedication, particularly during the recent Solheim Cup challenge. Captain Suzann Pettersen benched Maguire for most of the tournament. She played in only one four-ball session. Yet Maguire responded with characteristic determination. She secured a convincing 4&3 victory in her singles match against Ally Ewing.

Through it all, Maguire maintained remarkable composure. Her daily routine at Lake Nona became more intense. She arrived early for practice sessions, fine-tuning her putting stroke. She focused particularly on her short game, addressing the scoring challenges that had affected her season. The Lake Nona community rallied around her efforts. Fellow pros noticed her dedication during these testing times. Regular practice sessions turned into collaborative learning experiences. Players like Ko witnessed firsthand how Maguire attacked her game’s weaknesses with methodical determination.

While individual achievements mark success in golf, the strength of the Lake Nona community plays an equally vital role in player development.

LPGA community strength: Lydia Ko leads by example

Lake Nona’s world-class facilities provide the perfect backdrop. Players push each other to improve daily. The shared environment creates natural accountability. Ko and Maguire often cross paths during practice sessions. The professional community stands out for its support system. Players lift each other through ups and downs. Additionally, they share training insights. Ko’s endorsement reflects this tight-knit atmosphere.

Ko’s vote of confidence carries special significance. Her words highlight Maguire’s behind-the-scenes dedication. Moreover, they remind us that success in golf extends beyond tournament results. As Maguire works to rebuild momentum, her work ethic remains unwavering. Meanwhile, the Lake Nona community plays a crucial role in her journey.