KO Lydia

General
COACHING CHANGES
In late 2016 she decided to part ways with long-term coach David Leadbetter and change her whole coaching team having claimed silver earlier in the year at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. She then had a number of swing coaches before she began working with Sean Foley in mid-2020. "He's kept it simple. He's very straightforward and I think that's good. Sean gives me so many great wisdoms and builds that confidence in myself where at times I didn't feel like I had it." (golf.com, 01 Apr 2021, 20 Apr 2018)

LPGA WAIT OVER
Her win at the 2021 LOTTE Championship in Hawaii, United States of America, was her first LPGA Tour win for almost three years. She said focusing on the mental side of her game had helped her return to winning ways. "I think sometimes I have a tendency to overthink things. Sometimes I'll have a shot or a hole where I don't feel comfortable, but I need to focus more on my feel. I was putting more pressure on myself and doubting myself. I've been very fortunate to have a very supportive family and team and friends that have just built the confidence in me." (lpga.com, 06 May 2021, 19 Apr 2021; stuff.co.nz, 28 Apr 2021)

FROM REPUBLIC OF KOREA TO NEW ZEALAND
Born in the Republic of Korea, she moved to New Zealand with her family at age six. She gained New Zealand citizenship at age 12. (seoulsisters.com, 01 Jan 2016; espn.go.com, 13 Sep 2015)

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Working in association with New Zealand Golf, she set up the Lydia Ko Scholarship to help young elite golfers in New Zealand, offering the scholarship recipients the chance to attend a training camp with her. (Instagram profile, 12 May 2016; golf.co.nz, 2016)

She became the youngest female golfer to win two major championships, when she was victorious at the 2016 ANA Inspiration at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA, United States of America, at age 18 years, 11 months and nine days. She won her first major at the 2015 Evian Championship in Evian-les-Bains, France. (lpga.com, 21 Apr 2016)

In February 2015 at age 17 years, nine months and eight days, she became the youngest golfer of either gender to be ranked world number one. (lpga.com, 21 Apr 2016)