“I say my plan is to retire when I’m 30 so I’m not just going to go to the beach and hang out for the rest of my life,” once said Lydia Ko. But with recent happenings, it seems her illustrious career continues to unfold. The 27-year-old fresh from her triumphant gold medal win at the Paris Olympics and freshly inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, is basking in the glory of her remarkable career. But does her initial plan still stand strong? Perhaps not!

Ahead of her participation in the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish, Lydia Ko was asked what her viewpoint is on retiring at 30, she said, “I always said 30 but I said 30 like ten years ago, and I don’t even know why I said 30 at that point. I personally don’t know when the ending point is but I obviously have set another goal for myself so I’m not just like cluelessly playing on tour. You know, even if I was to stop today, I’m obviously very grateful for everything that has happened in my career so far, but I haven’t really set an end date yet.”

This gives fans some hope that Ko is rethinking her retirement plans, and it sure makes the golf world very happy. When asked if this year’s Scottish Open and AIG Open would be her last, she said that this year’s AIG Open probably would not be her last. She continued that she wanted to get through this year first and then assess things. Giving a final verdict, she said,  “But this year will probably not be, like, my last competitive year.”

Paris 2024 Olympics – Golf – Women’s Round 4 – Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France – August 10, 2024. Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays out from a bunker during the final round REUTERS/Paul Childs

Lydia Ko feels what every athlete feels; quitting on bad days, and going forward on the good ones. Talking about how she feels like hanging her clubs on bad days, she said, “I have bad days and good days, and bad days, I want to quit that day. And good days, you feel like you could go and do this forever and it feels like that moment is going to last forever.”  One thing though that becomes clear after this revelation is the fact that Ko is far from done.

But if she were to retire, what do you think Ko would have opted for as a second career? Any guesses? 

From Fairway to Therapy Lane, Lydia Ko’s fascination with psychology

“I’m fascinated by social psychology, which centers around why people behave a particular way in a set environment,” explained Ko in an interview with Golf Digest. This interest could lead her to consider a career in counseling or sports psychology after her playing days are over. In 2015, she decided to pursue a degree in psychology from Korea University in Seoul. The 27-year-old further shared that she loves being around people and enjoys helping others when she can. That’s a pretty good quality for a psychologist, right?

Additionally, her studies, though separate from her golf career for now, may become a vital part of her future. “It’s funny. I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything, really. But I’ve definitely considered pursuing a career in counseling,” Ko revealed, hinting at a potential second career.

She also told Golf.com how she thinks her studies pair well with what she plays: “There’s always a second career that comes along with it, and I’m trying to build up towards it, and because I’m playing a sport, psychology links well with it.”

As of now, Lydia Ko’s focus remains on the course, but when she eventually hangs up her clubs, a fulfilling career in psychology potentially awaits. Till then, let’s endure her golfing prowess and get fascinated by her achievements.