Ko an ace in mind games
GOLF: Lydia Ko’s unflappable temperament could net the Kiwi world No 1 her first British Open title.
That’s the view of 2004 British Open winner and seasoned English professional Karen Stupples, who is backing the New Zealand teenager to be among the contenders at the Woburn Golf and Country Club in Milton Keynes, starting tonight (NZ time).
The 19-year-old finished in a tie for third at the LPGA major championship last year, finishing four shots back from South Korean winner and former world No1 Inbee Park.
With this being the last tournament before the Olympic Games, Ko will be eager to head to Rio on a high. * * Stupples said Ko had the ability to remain composed when it counted most and not get rattled when struggling with her game.
‘‘It all sounds very cliche to say, but she’s a psychologist’s dream and how she talks is exactly how sports psychologists talk to their clients about trying to play better, and she does it very naturally,’’ Stupples said.
Ko acknowledged she often got more out of enduring a defeat, than actually winning a tournament.
‘‘I feel like every failure, every loss, there’s meaning at the end of it. You’re always learning from it,’’ she said.
‘‘And even if you do win, I always feel like at the end of the week, there is a key thing that I learn from my game or I learn more about myself.’’
Stupples believed Ko’s composure would hold her in good stead for the British Open and he declared her a ‘‘top three chance’’.
Ko will play in her fifth British Open, having made her first appearance in 2012, when she ended up tied for 17th.
‘‘She said she doesn’t feel pressure, but when you watch her play it’s almost as if there really isn’t any pressure,’’ Stupples said.
‘‘She just seems to enjoy the moment and just enjoys playing golf no matter whether it’s for the win or for the loss.’’
Ko realised she could not win every tournament and did not get too fazed with how her opponents were playing.
‘‘She can’t change the outcome of how somebody else plays. Somebody else can just play better, and she understands all that,’’ Stupples said.
‘‘That’s one of the reasons why she is so successful is that sort of easygoing attitude does translate into playing well on the golf course.’’
Hall of Fame American golfer and leading analyst Judy Rankin echoed Stupples’ sentiments.
She said Ko was one of the best on the LPGA Tour for remaining levelheaded in trying circumstances.
‘‘She’s excellent at not looking back. She gives it her very best.
‘‘I think because of that, if she wanted to play beyond 30 years old, she certainly could.
‘‘She said she won’t, but I think that should give you a long life as a player.’’
Ko is a two-time major winner, taking out the Evian Championship in France last year and claiming the ANA Inspiration in California in April.
The Kiwi tees off alongside Britain’s Charley Hull and Sweden’s Linda Wessberg with a 6:59am start, (7.59pm NZT).