Lydia Ko completes Olympic ‘cycle’ with Gold, achieves golf immortality

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko etched her name in the history books by becoming the youngest golfer ever to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame. Her gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, achieved with a final score of 10-under at Le Golf National, was the crowning achievement that secured her place among the sport’s greats.

Ko’s triumph in Paris was the culmination of years of perseverance, particularly in her quest for Olympic gold. After winning a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and a bronze in Tokyo 2020, she was determined to seize the elusive gold in Paris. This time, she succeeded in dramatic fashion, finishing two strokes ahead of Germany’s Esther Henseleit, who claimed the silver medal, and three strokes ahead of China’s Xiyu Lin, who took bronze.

The final round began with Ko tied for the lead at 9-under alongside Swiss golfer Morgane Metraux, who had been a surprise leader through the first three rounds. The competition was fierce, with top players such as Rose Zhang, Atthaya Thitikul, Nelly Korda, home favorite Celine Boutier, Ruoning Yin, and Xiyu Lin all within striking distance.

However, Saturday’s round proved to be a test of nerves, and some of the most prominent names faltered under pressure. Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player, was one of the biggest surprises of the day. Despite an incredible season that saw her break records and secure her second major title, Korda struggled in Paris. After showing promise on the front nine, her hopes of defending her Olympic gold were dashed by a disastrous back nine, including a seven on the 15th hole. She finished tied for 22nd at 1-under.

Morgane Metraux, who had led for most of the tournament, also saw her confidence crumble on the final day. The 27-year-old carded several bogeys, watching her commanding lead vanish as the pressure mounted.

In contrast, Esther Henseleit of Germany emerged as the Cinderella story of the tournament. Having never won an LPGA title, Henseleit played the round of her life, finishing at 8-under to claim the silver medal. Her performance was a breakthrough on the biggest stage, marking the highest-profile result of her career.

But the day belonged to Lydia Ko. The New Zealander held her nerve, maintaining a slim lead as she approached the 18th hole. With everything on the line, Ko delivered a clutch birdie to seal a two-stroke victory and secure the gold medal she had long desired.

Ko’s victory in Paris also marked her 27th career title, the final requirement for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. Speaking before the tournament, Ko had acknowledged the significance of the moment. “It would be a hell of a way to do it,” she told The Associated Press, referring to the possibility of winning gold and earning her place in the Hall of Fame.

As the realization of her achievement set in, Ko was overcome with emotion, shedding tears of relief and joy. The moment was made even more special as golf legend Annika Sorenstam placed the gold medal around her neck, symbolically passing the torch to the new generation.

With her historic win in Paris, Lydia Ko not only fulfilled her Olympic dreams but also secured her legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time, becoming the first golfer—male or female—to win three Olympic medals.