Ko’s ‘special’ honour ‘very humbling’
After topping the golfing world, winning the Halberg Supreme award, winning an Olympic Games silver, and three times sportswoman of the year, Lydia Ko has now become a Member of the Order of New Zealand (MNZM) in the New Year honours.
At 21, the former world No 1 is one of the youngest award recipients, a common place for her – she was the youngest world golf No 1, youngest player to win a major and youngest to win on tour.
‘‘It is a huge honour for me. I think every moment is special in its own way and this recognition in particular is very humbling,’’ Ko said when asked how the MNZM sat with her list of achievements.
‘‘I am grateful to be recognised alongside many talented, inspiring New Zealanders, and those who make New Zealand a better country for all of us Kiwis.’’
A proud Kiwi, Aucklandraised Ko makes no secret of her heritage, it’s there for the TV cameras to see whenever she tees on on tour.
‘‘I play with the New Zealand flag on my bag and inside my yardage book cover,’’ she said. ‘‘One of the most special items I have is a lasered sketch of me receiving my silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
‘‘That was certainly one of the most unforgettable moments of not only my golfing career but one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.’’
In 2017, LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan labelled Ko a transcendent figure in the sport.
‘‘Some players change records, but what Lydia has done is change expectations for every young girl.
‘‘It used to be you’d dream of making it to the LPGA some day but some day meant in your 20s and playing your best golf even later. Lydia has changed those expectations.’’
Ko was the top-ranked amateur woman in the world for nearly two-and-a-half years before turning professional in late 2013, then held world professional No 1 from February 2015 to June 2017.
She won the inaugural Race to CME Globe season-long points race after winning three titles – the Marathon Classic, Swinging Skirts and the CME Globe Tour Championship.
Her 63 in the 2015 Evian Championship was the lowest-ever closing round score in a women’s major championship.
In 2015 she became the youngest player to win 10 events on a major tour. She won the silver medal in women’s golf at the 2016 Olympic Games. In both 2014 and 2015 Ko was named in the EspnW Impact25 list of twentyfive athletes and influencers who have made the greatest impact for women in sports.
For the past two seasons she has gradually slipped down the world rankings, to now sit at No 14. Based in Florida, Ko is planning to do better in 2019, uncertain at this point whether her schedule will allow her to return to New Zealand to receive her award.
‘‘I plan to play roughly a similar number of events as I did in the 2018 season,’’ she said.
‘‘One of my main goals is to be more consistent week in and week out. I would also like to play with more confidence and belief in my game and myself. I am still planning my schedule and hope to return to New Zealand soon.’’