‘New Bride’ Lydia Ko Wins Comeback Victory: "I Am the Queen of Saudi"

LET Aramco Saudi Ladies International FR

‘Newlywed’ Lydia Ko (New Zealand) clinched a come-from-behind victory.

On the 19th, Lydia Ko posted a 4-under 68 in the final 4th round of the Ladies European Tour (LET) Aramco Saudi Ladies International (total prize money $5 million) held at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (par 72, 6,225 yards) in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, securing a one-stroke win with a total score of 21-under 267. This marked her second victory at this tournament since 2021, with a winner’s prize of $750,000 (approximately 970 million KRW).

Lydia Ko

The tournament is sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s state-owned company Aramco. It was held in November in 2020 and 2021, and in March last year. While last year’s total prize money was $1 million, it has significantly increased to $5 million this year. Alongside Lydia Ko, the ‘Number 1’ player active on the LPGA Tour, many world-class players participated.

Starting one stroke behind in second place, Lydia Ko recorded five birdies and one bogey. After a birdie on the 1st hole was offset by a bogey on the 2nd hole (both par 4s), she collected three birdies on the 6th, 10th, and 13th holes. She then secured a crucial birdie on the 17th hole (par 4), ultimately taking the top spot on the leaderboard. Lydia Ko demonstrated her resilience by winning the trophy in her first tournament appearance this year since marrying Jung Joon, the only son of Jung Tae-young, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Card, last December.

Aditi Ashok (India) finished as runner-up with a 4-under round, totaling 20-under 268. Lilia Vu (USA), who led the previous day, shot 1-under and dropped to a tie for 3rd place at 19-under 269. Lexi Thompson (USA) surged with a 6-under round to join the group tied for 3rd. Emily Kristine Pedersen (Denmark) finished 6th at 17-under 271, Georgia Hall (England) 7th at 16-under 272, and Nasa Hataoka (Japan) 8th at 15-under 273.

From Korea, ‘LPGA rookie’ Yoo Hae-ran posted a 5-under round to jump to a tie for 9th place at 14-under 274. Lim Hee-jeong tied for 14th at 11-under 277, Kim Hyo-joo tied for 18th at 10-under 278, and Lee So-mi and Hong Jeong-min tied for 24th at 8-under 280. Jeon In-ji shot 4-under to rise to a tie for 32nd at 7-under 281. Kim Ah-rim and Sung Yoo-jin finished tied for 35th at 6-under 282.