Meet Lydia Ko’s Parents, Ko Gil-Hong & Hyeon Bong-Sook: Their Life, Career, & Interests in Golf Explored

The world of professional golf not only showcases the golfers but also provides insights into their parents’ lives. As LPGA stars dazzle with stellar performances on the greens, their parents consistently stand by their side. Nevertheless, does this scenario hold true for every LPGA pro? That’s the question surrounding former #1 golfer Lydia Ko.

In the wake of Lydia Ko’s struggle, having missed two consecutive cuts in the 2019 Evian Championship followed by the AIG Women’s British Open, her former coach David Leadbetter made a startling accusation against the 27-year-old’s parents, labeling their behavior as “unbelievable Ignorance.” With this revelation, fans grew more intrigued about Ko’s parents and whether they played a role in her setbacks during 2019 or before. With that in consideration, let’s delve into the life story of the New Zealand golfer and gain further insight into her parents!

Were Lydia Ko’s parents the reason for her downfall?

Leadbetter described the situation with “very sad” remarks, further singling out Ko’s parents by stating, “Her parents have a lot to answer for—a case of unbelievable ignorance,” while discussing the same situation, the former coach additionally disclosed, “They tell her when to go to bed, what to eat, what to wear when to practice and what to practice.”

In addition to highlighting constraints on the pro, Leadbetter continued, “They expect her to win every tournament.” While Ko’s former coach addressed her parents, it sparked questioning not just about them; but also about the early stages of a golfer’s life.

How was Ko raised?

Born to father Ko Gil-hong and mother Hyeon Bong-sook on April 24, 1997, Ko spent her initial three years in Seoul, South Korea, with her elder sister Sura Ko. However, in 2001, the family relocated to New Zealand, aiming to provide young Ko with a better upbringing and education. Despite Mr. Gil-hong’s choice to maintain privacy in his life, he is frequently described as a modest individual and has played tennis in his yesteryears.

He now works as a pharmacist and owns a pharmacy in Auckland. Despite not playing golf, he is enthusiastic about the sport and played a crucial role in introducing Ko to it. Nonetheless, he also coached the PGA Tour pro when she was just seven years old, drawing on his athletic knowledge from tennis and his degree in Physical Education.

When Ko decided to pursue golf, her father accompanied her to a pro shop at the Pupuke Golf Club on Auckland’s North Shore, where she encountered her first official coach, Guy Wilson. Furthermore, Gil-hong has seldom been spotted on the greens with Ko and has minimized media interactions. While it appears Ko’s father played a crucial role in her life, can the same be said for her mother?

Significance of her mother in Ko’s life?

Hyeon Bong-sook, the mother of the 27-year-old, is similarly private and has maintained a discreet approach to her personal and social life. However, despite being a homemaker, she is educated, holding a degree majoring in English. Not only does she attend to Ko’s daily needs, but she is also discerning about Ko’s travel arrangements for various events. Though she might seem strict with the LPGA tour pro, her mother often enjoys fun moments with her daughter, assisting in maintaining her stable mental health.

While the pro and her mother often travel together, they typically opt for condos or hotel units with a kitchen instead of hotels. This preference stems from their shared enjoyment of cooking and desire to maintain good health by avoiding outside food. Quoting Ko, she once shared words to Golf Digest, “I’ve never been ill a day in my life. Neither my mother nor I have ever been to a hospital. We feel our diets have a lot to do with that.” 

Not only do her parents seem to care about their daughter, but the pro herself also cares about her parents. Ko once expressed concern for her parents: “I desperately want a dog, but it’s not looking good. My father and older sister are allergic to dog hair, and I’m going to be spending more time in the States, so, no dog.” Now that we’ve delved into the stories from both perspectives, what are your reflections on the abovementioned claims? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!