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via Imago

via Imago

With the 2024 LPGA Tour season starting soon, many players are looking for some changes. While some players are making announcements about their caddies, some pros are having a fun time. One other player who is switching things up this new season is Lydia Ko.

The 26-year-old is set to move towards a new golf agency, the one which houses Tiger Woods! Though her move in 2024 is welcomed with celebratory cheers, it poses a bit of a confusing situation as well! Let’s look at the complete timeline of events and see how much weight the questions hold.

The delay in signing Lydia Ko raises questions

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Excel Sports Management is proud of boasting golf stars like Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, and Rose Zhang in its roster. Joining this star-studded roster is Lydia Ko. However, the delay in signing her has raised many questions.

Excel Sports Management is one of the top-tier agencies in golf. When in 2020 it started its women’s wing, golf fans were sure it would get any top talent it wanted. But they waited a long time to sign the 19x LPGA Tour winner, despite her tremendous golf year 2022.

Every golf fan knows Ko had a stellar run in 2022. She entered 22 tournaments and won three times. Furthermore, she won the LPGA Player of the Year award and the LPGA leading money winner in that same year.

Read More: LPGA 2023: 3 Most Controversial Moments

It leads to a confusing situation as to why it took the agency more time to bring her on board. Rose Zhang was signed before Ko, confusing many fans. The order of signing should have been West, Ko, and Zhang, and not the current one: West, Zhang, and now Ko. But one thing fans will be grateful for is that she has finally started her run at an agency alongside Tiger Woods.

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Excel signs former No. 1 LPGA golfer

Despite the delay, Excel Sports Management has added Lydia Ko to its women’s golf roster. Ko will be managed by Kevin Hopkins, who oversees the LPGA division. Apart from her, the agency includes Rose Zhang and Michelle Wie West on the LPGA Tour, and Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, and Max Homa are on the PGA Tour.

via Reuters

Previously, the 19-time LPGA Tour winner was with WME-IMG management. Her sponsors include Hanna Bank, the golf brand Ecco, and the apparel company Renoma. Furthermore, she has an iron-only club deal with a Japan-based golf partner. What are your thoughts on her joining Excel Sports Management? Let us know in the comments section below.

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