‘Maybe Its Time’: With Retirement Questions Looming Over Her Head, LPGA Star Lydia Ko Reveals the Secret Behind Not Taking the Drastic Step Yet

The LPGA Tour stars are right now stationed in Ohio for the Kroger Queen City Championship. Undoubtedly, the two rounds of the game have been enveloped in fierce competition from all sides. While the leaderboard is being headed by Chien Peiyun, veterans like Charley Hull and Minjee Lee are also strongly contending. Among them, one name that seems to be regaining momentum after a disappointing performance in Portland is none other than Lydia Ko!

The two-time major winner has time and again portrayed a resilient front on the greens. However, her recent games haven’t been able to vouch for the same. Thus, it was not surprising to witness the golf star open up about her struggles as she pointed toward the goodbye looming over her professional days. Nevertheless, the LPGA icon revealed the secret that has prevented her from taking this drastic step yet.

Lydia Ko hints at a probable end to her golfing career

On September 8, 2023, at the Kenwood Country Club in Ohio, Lydia Ko divulged the tough times she has been facing on the golf field. Amidst discussing all the troubles, her answer took a rather unexpected route. Mentioning how a lot of things had been going through her mind, she shockingly admitted, “This is my tenth year on tour, and you start thinking, oh, maybe it is that time.”

She was undoubtedly talking about bidding goodbye to the greens, though she quickly added a line about still being unsure about all the things surrounding her mind. The golfer seemed to be fighting a battle inside herself, stating that she was not sure how long she could continue playing. However, one certain matter remained: her trying her best on the field.

Ko also reiterated hoping for things to go her way and how this would happen only with timely patience. She credits the game for giving her multiple opportunities. She clarified that even an end to her career at this moment wouldn’t take away that blessing.

She admitted that things have been great for her overall. However, she surely needs to continue putting in relentless efforts to explore more of the positive domains. Additionally, her main highlight of blessing and support remained thanking and adoring her family throughout the answer.

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The Kiwi star opens up about her support system

There’s no doubt the 2023 season hasn’t been an ideal one for Lydia Ko, as she faced numerous professional challenges. Despite these struggles, the Kiwi star believed that one thing that remained a constant in her life, no matter if it was a missed cut or a 4 under par, was her family. Expressing her gratitude for them, Ko called this support “the biggest thing” in her life.

The sentiment made the 19-time LPGA Tour winner recall one of the recent incidents that made her overly emotional. Talking about the last game in Canada, Ko mentioned Stacy Lewis, the US Solheim Cup Captain’s parents, and her interaction with Lewis’ mom. Looking back at arguably her worst round, the 26-year-old said, “Stacy’s mom said, ‘hey, no matter what, like your husband is always going to be there for you, no matter if you shoot a 62 or 72 or 82.'”

And that was all it took for the golfer to break down in tears and realize how thankful she was for the people around her, and for the sport leading her to meet the love of her life, her husband Jun Chung. At the end of the day, he was her happy place, and she was pleased to play golf.

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