Lydia Ko explains how getting a dog changed her perspective on golf

It's been a banner year for Lydia Ko: She's racked up three victories, including a major, as well as an Olympic gold medal and a spot in the LPGA Hall of Fame. It's hard to believe that just one year ago, Ko was in the midst of a slump and finished a 2023 season that included only one top 10 finish – a year so poor that he missed the chance to defend his 2022 title. the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. Those problems now seem like a distant memory. Ko was awarded the LPGA's Heather Farr Perseverance Award this year, voted on by the LPGA membership and honoring an LPGA Tour player who, “through her hard work, dedication and love of the game of golf, has demonstrated determination, perseverance and spirit.” in achieving his goals as a player.”

“We all go through a lot of things, whether it's golf-related or things off the golf course,” Ko said at his pre-tournament press conference at Tiburon in Naples, Fla. “To be recognized for the journey I have taken. to have it, it is a great privilege.”

Ko admitted that he struggles with the game's mentality at times.

“I started working with my current mental coach a few years ago, and he's been an amazing help,” she said. “Sometimes we talk about private things that have nothing to do with golf. As we try and separate golf from things off the golf course, they all come together. We are one person and one mind. Everything comes together.

“Unfortunately, the way I play on the golf course makes me feel bad when I'm off the course and vice versa,” Ko continued. “My mental coach, being able to have someone I trust completely and can talk to has been great. I think it cleared me up and helped me get rid of those demons that I had in my head.”

Another highlight of Ko's life this year has been the addition of a new furry family member. Ko and her husband adopted Kai, a Shiba Inu puppy, in May. Ko described feeling an immediate connection to him, and crying in the car after deciding not to find him that day. Kai joined the Ko family soon after.

“He was beautiful,” said Ko. “You know, it's questionable sometimes. But I have my own dog for the first time, and I have a lot to learn about him, patience. I was like, wow, if it's this difficult with a dog, I wonder what it will be like when you have a human child. He's a lot of fun and really keeps us busy.

“I think that over time, this is something that I'm trying to be better for myself,” he continued. “It was nice to have another strong ball and sometimes I couldn't keep up with his speed as he ran away from me. It was a great step for us and I feel like our family just got bigger.”

Kai's presence also helped Ko focus after the tournament rounds.

“I remember going back to my family's house [at the Canadian Women’s Open] and he was there and he was like, oh, how was your day? My day was good. That kind of energy he had for me, he was so loving and happy to see me. I don't get that much joy from him when he sees me.

“But I saw him and I was like, you know? There is more to life than what I just shot and there is tomorrow. That week was my first time traveling alone in a long time, so it was nice to have company.”

And in case you were wondering if Ko would choose to win another big one if it meant never seeing Kai again, spoiler alert: he chooses a dog.

“My husband once asked me the fate,” said Ko. You said would you just win another big next time and not be able to see Kai or not know Kai, or would you like to be with Kai and know you won't win another big? You know what? I can still call myself a great champion. I'd rather not win the mejar and have Kai in my life.

“At the Women's Open I saw that I have both, better than both worlds. It was good. New life in my life and many other good things on the golf course. So it's been a fairy tale year. I am very grateful for this whole season.”