Ko’s numbers shine brightly again

Lydia Ko is more than just back, she’s playing some of the best golf of her ultrasuccessful career.

The newly-minted world No 2 has sure earned a break, having capped off her ninth season on the LPGA Tour by winning a swag of trophies, and a record US$2 million (NZ$3.25 million) payday.

In addition to winning her third LPGA Tour Race to the CME Globe crown, second player-of-the-year trophy and second straight Vare Trophy, Ko bagged three wins in a season for the first time since 2016, and 14 top-10 finishes.

Ko had more rounds in the 60s, more sand saves and more rounds under par than anyone. She was also near her best with putter in hand.

How did her 2022 season stack up? Here’s a closer look.

Ko finished second in the category during her brilliant 2015 season (77%) and was seventh in 2014 (74%).

Despite winning five times during the 2016 season, Ko ranked 31st with a 70.39% hit rate. American Ally Ewing (77.7%) topped the chart this year. the green, around the green, and with putter in hand.

No player gained more shots per round than Ko, whose 2.50 average wiped the floor with second-placed Canadian Brooke Henderson (1.96).

Ko led the tour in the putting (1.41 per round) category, was fourth approaching the green (1.20), 11th in tee to green (1.08) and 23rd around the green (0.21).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, she was -27.94 off the tee, leaving her ranked 123rd amongst 155 players in the category.