Lydia Ko is a superstar by all means! She is very close to entering the toughest Hall of Fame, but her journey has not been easy. Behind the scenes of her golfing success lies a complex web of relationships and influences that have shaped her career. But have those closest to her been a help or a hindrance? A shocking assessment from a key figure in her past sparks a deeper exploration of the golfer’s mental struggles and the suffocating expectations that have accompanied her rise to fame.

It was in 2019 when her former coach, David Leadbetter, opened up to Reuters about the rather suffocating influence of Ko’s parents, sparking a heated debate about the role of family in a golfer’s career. “Her parents have a lot to answer for – a case of unbelievable ignorance. They tell her when to go to bed, what to eat, what to wear, when to practice and what to practice. And they expect her to win every tournament,” said her former coach in a shocking revelation. 

However, his scathing assessment didn’t stop at merely criticizing Ko’s parents- he also offered a solution. “They need to let her go, let her fly, let her leave the nest so to speak and find her own way.” In essence, he believed that Ko needed the freedom to make her own decisions, explore her own interests, and discover her own identity, separate from her parents’ expectations. 

Leadbetter’s words hint at a deeper psychological toll on the young golfers. Moreover, the candid comments shed light on the intense pressure Ko faced from her parents, whom he claimed controlled every aspect of her life. His insights came right after she missed the cut at the Women’s British Open in 2019, where she carded 12-over-par 156.

Only then, he suggested, can Ko truly rediscover her passion for golf and reach her full potential. “If she can do that, we could see Lydia back,” he concluded, hinting at a possible resurgence in Ko’s career. Leadbetter’s words highlight Ko’s need for self-discovery, a journey that’s essential to her future success.

Ko’s Stints to a familiar spot again

November 28, 2022, marked a triumphant return for Lydia Ko, as she ascended to the top spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings for the third time in her LPGA Tour career. Ko surpassed Nelly Korda, jumping from second to first place and reclaiming the coveted World No. 1 title. This was made possible by her three victories that year, and quite a few top-5 finishes.

In a moment of reflection, Ko expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m very grateful to be World No. 1 again. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be back here again.” She also acknowledged the support of her loved ones, adding, “This wouldn’t have been possible without my family and team. Thank you for your belief and love.”

Notably, Ko’s journey to the top spot has been marked by periods of dominance and resilience. Previously, she had reached the pinnacle of women’s golf in 2015, holding the No. 1 spot for 19 weeks. Her second stretch was even more impressive, as she remained World No. 1 for 85 weeks from October 2015 to June 2017. 

Lydia Ko’s coach sparked a journey of self-discovery for Ko, one that continues to shape her career today. Do you think his revelation justified her downfall from the top? Share with us in the comments section below.