[Knowrae's Field Story] Lydia Go's Tears, Love, and Resurrection

Lydia Ko is seen smiling brightly while holding the trophy together with her "fianc?" Jung Joon immediately after winning the CME Group Tour Championship.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Sometimes rest is more necessary than practice.

This is the story of Lydia Ko (New Zealand), the world No. 2 in women's golf. Lydia Ko won the CME Group Tour Championship, the final event of the 2022 LPGA Tour season, held at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, on the 21st, marking a spectacular finale. She swept individual titles including prize money, Player of the Year, scoring average, and the CME Group Race, entering her second prime.

Lydia Ko was called a "golf prodigy." In 2012, she set the youngest winner record worldwide among men and women at the New South Wales Women's Open in Australia (14 years and 10 months), and in August of the same year, she added the youngest LPGA Tour winner record at the Canadian Open (15 years and 4 months). She reached world No. 1 at age 17. At the 2015 Evian Championship, she became the youngest major champion (18 years, 4 months, and 20 days). She won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Though only 25 years old now, she has achieved tremendous success. Since turning professional in 2014, she has 19 wins including 2 majors. In 2015, she posted an outstanding record with 4 wins including 1 major. Lydia Ko, who was on a winning streak, fell into a slump after winning 3 times in the 2016 season. From 2017 to last year, she only won twice in five years. It is analyzed that the psychological pressure of having to maintain the top spot at such a young age was significant.

Lydia Ko attempted changes. She parted ways with caddie Jason Hamilton and world-renowned coach David Leadbetter. She even changed her golf clubs, making every effort for a comeback. However, she could not deliver the expected results. She lost weight, and the smile disappeared from her face. Criticism began to arise saying, "The era of Lydia Ko is over."

Lydia Ko sought to escape the slump in a new way. She relieved stress through cooking and watching Korean TV variety shows. "I like cooking and spend most of my time in the kitchen," Lydia Ko said, adding, "It feels very different from golf. Cooking in the kitchen is rest for me."

Falling in love with Jung Joon, the only son of Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Jung Tae-young, also helped. Lydia Ko had been in contact with Jung Joon for about six months since winter 2020, and shortly after their first meeting, she won the Lotte Championship in April 2021, her first victory in three years. Jung Joon played tennis in high school and developed affection while playing rounds with Lydia Ko in Florida and California. The couple will marry on the 30th of next month at Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Jung Joon also came to the CME Group Tour Championship to cheer for Lydia Ko and shared the joy of her victory. "He made me smile. After meeting him, I wanted to practice harder and also enjoy my rest time more," she explained.

Since dating Jung Joon, Lydia Ko has gained a new perspective on golf and life. Moving away from focusing solely on golf, her concentration actually increased. "He is someone who inspires and motivates me to become a better person and a better player," she expressed her gratitude.

After falling to 55th in the world rankings in 2020, Lydia Ko has now risen to No. 2. She needs only 2 more points to reach the 27 points required for LPGA Hall of Fame induction. She will become a "legend" before turning 30. Lydia Ko, who shed tears right after winning the final event, now has only bright days ahead within the shelter of family.