There comes a time in every athlete’s life when they must confront the possibility of retirement. For Lydia Ko, that moment arrived in 2024, when the 27-year-old New Zealander found herself struggling with her form and wondering if it was time to hang up her clubs. Ko had been a prodigious talent since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, but after a tough first half of 2024, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her best days were behind her.
However, in a stunning turnaround, Ko rediscovered her confidence and went on to win the Olympics and AIG Women’s Open, becoming the youngest member of the LPGA Hall of Fame in the process. With her career revitalized, Ko now eyes another LPGA victory at the HBSC Women’s World Championship as she currently leads the chart.
A win tomorrow would earn Lydia Ko a title and a $360,000 prize, moving her past Aussie golfer Karrie Webb, to a higher spot on the All-Time Career Money List. This impressive feat would leave Ko just $1,988,588 shy of legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam’s record, setting the stage for an exciting chase for the top spot. But before she wins, Ko made sure to give the credit where it’s due.
While talking about her experience, among many things, at the HSBC Women’s World Championship press conference, Ko revealed the real star behind her on-course success. When asked about her caddie Paul Cormack, being awarded Caddie of the Year, Ko jokingly attributed the win to her own vote, saying, “I told him he was chosen because I voted for him; obviously my one vote.” Jokes aside, she also went on to express her heartfelt gratitude for having him by her side. Ko praised her caddie for his unwavering support throughout her career, particularly during the tough times when she wasn’t playing her best golf.
“He started working for me at a time where I wasn’t playing very well, so to see how far we’ve come together, it’s been a really proud moment for us,” Ko said. She emphasized that her caddie is an integral part of her support team, and she’s thankful to have him alongside her as she navigates the ups and downs of her career. “They are people that I want to finish my career with, and thankful to be surrounded by them,” Ko added.
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – FEBRUARY 27: Lydia Ko of New Zealand tees off on the second hole during Day One of the HSBC Women’s World Championship 2025 at Sentosa Golf Club on February 27, 2025 in Singapore. (Credits: Getty Images)
Well, the amazing thing is that she isn’t the only one grateful, as the bagman shares the same sentiments when it comes to Ko.
Paul Cormack says being Lydia Ko’s caddie was a ‘no-brainer’
Paul Cormack, the man behind Lydia Ko’s bag, has been the unsung hero of her recent success. As Ko’s caddie for almost a year now, Cormack has played a pivotal role in her victories, including her thrilling win at the AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews. In hindsight, Ko has been full of praise for Cormack’s positive attitude and his wealth of experience playing golf in Scotland, which has proven to be a game-changer in her performance. With Cormack by her side, Ko has regained her confidence and found her winning form, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of their winning partnership.
“I was working for Kevin Chappel on the PGA Tour, and he was maybe only going to play two or three events in the fall. Lydia called and asked if I would start working for her after Walton Heath last year. It was a no-brainer, and I started with her the following week in Canada. If you turned that down, you’d be an idiot!,” Cormack told The Scotsman.
Cormack also acknowledged that he’s learned a lot from Ko, saying, “Everybody out here is good enough to win a golf tournament, but it’s difficult if you don’t believe in yourself. When she gets close to the lead, she normally wins.” Well, the way the duo talks about each other, it is clear that they share a common respect and admiration. What are your thoughts on the amazing duo, and will you miss them once Ko retires? Let us know in the comment section below!
The post $2M Away from Major LPGA Milestone, Lydia Ko Expresses Gratitude to Special Supporter Amid Retirement Talks appeared first on EssentiallySports.
