“Not Easy”: Former World No.1 Lydia Ko Honestly Confesses the Cause Behind Her Lackluster Performance, Weeks After the Penalty Scare

The 2023 season has been full of ups and downs for the golf icon, Lydia Ko. While she has had certain quality finishes, other outcomes haven’t been able to vouch for the golfer’s caliber. Amidst this, she even faced a whopping penalty of seven shots at the 2023 Dana Open and suffered another disheartening result.

However, it is salient to note that Ko is not a rising star on the LPGA Tour. Rather, her achievements include impressive two major triumphs and a former World No. 1 title. While these accomplishments act as positive reinforcements, these added responsibilities can also create unnecessary pressure. This is exactly what the Kiwi sensation uncovered at the recent press conference and how she has been trying to conquer it.

Lydia Ko divulges her struggles, recalling her World No. 1 reign

Lydia Ko’s hassle on the greens has gained her game enormous scrutiny from everyone around. Hence, it came as no surprise when her recent press conference in Vancouver, Canada focused mostly on her months-long troubles. One of the reporters, hence, touched directly upon her battles on the field. He started by talking about her exceptional career. However, the question soon stirred toward the problems she had been facing evidently in her game.

While answering the journalist, Ko rather honestly commented, “I think there were a lot of expectations coming into this year“. Extending further that it could be both external or internal, she tagged pressure to be the reason behind her current stroke play.

“I won my first event to start the season,” Lydia added, recalling her Aramco Saudi Ladies International Championship victory back in February. However, the coming events could not witness a progression in her established form.

The LPGA professional even highlighted a lack of confidence in herself despite becoming the No. 1 ranked golfer back in 2022. Even her consistent performance in the year had not helped her improve her personal view of her game.

Also Read: Hours After Suffering a Major Setback At $9 Million Event, Lydia Ko Makes a ‘Frustrating’ Confession

Bestowing some kindness on herself, she quickly added, “Golf is not easy“. She ardently seemed grateful for all the previous unbelievable achievements she made. Alongside this, she remained hopeful of her latest progress, finally reflecting on her upcoming performances.

Ko looking for redemption at CPKC Women’s Open

The battles that the New Zealand star is facing on and off the course are quite evident. However, this series of setbacks hasn’t lowered the morale of the golfer. In fact, she seems more determined than before as she commented, “I do feel like I’m moving in the right direction“. Reflecting on her last performance where she missed the cut, Ko believed that despite the unsatisfactory outcome she and her coach, both felt that there had been an improvement in the athlete’s game.

While the results haven’t improved for the golfer, the Kiwi icon felt that sometimes it is hard to put everything together. Hence, one can only focus on working things right. And that is exactly what the LPGA Tour professional has been aiming for.

Reiterating her 2021-2022 season where she had to prove to herself that she could dominate the greens once again, Lydia Ko trusted herself to make a comeback sooner rather than later. Although, she admitted that when one is struggling, it is tough to look at the positive side. However, thanks to her amazing team, she has been able to walk with her head high.

With confidence in her hard work and patience with her current form, Ko is trying her best to get better. With that, what do you think of Lydia Ko’s struggle and motivation regarding the game of golf? Do you think she will conquer the greens like before at Shaughnessy Golf Course? Let us know in the comments!

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