As she turned 17, Lydia Ko knew golf wasn’t something she wanted to do for the rest of her life. So much so that she even promised she would retire by that time she turned 30. It was almost like the golfer was sure, she’d have everything she wanted before the time runs out, and well, she is on the path to make it happen.
With the Korea Grand Slam still eluding her, the-28-year old golfer feels the pressure to achieve this feat soon, knowing her career timeline is ticking. She’s focused on winning the US Women’s Open and Women’s PGA Championship to complete her career Grand Slam. With a packed schedule of 23 tournaments in 2025, Ko is determined to seize this opportunity and make her mark among the golfing greats. The Grand Slam feels within reach, and it’s clear she’s not planning to retire without it.
Speaking on the latest YouTube episode on Golf.com’s channel, Ko opened up about her potential retirement plans. Despite initially stating she would retire by 30, the 28-year-old golfer revealed she might delay her retirement, citing her current success and enjoyment of the sport. Given her impressive achievements, some wonder why she continues to play. In her view, if her career ended now, she’d be content with her accomplishments and grateful for the journey. Having achieved her goals, she’s free to dictate her own timeline, choosing to retire when she wants while striving to play her best golf.
“I think, you know even if it stopped now, like there’s nothing like that I’d regret, and I’d obviously be so grateful for what has happened. Cause I know I have those things, I don’t have to prove anything to anybody else. So I want to go out at the time that I want to, and while I’m still playing, I still want to play good golf.” Ko said, emphasizing her desire to continue playing good golf while she’s still able. The host, Sean Zak, responded to this, “But it must be freeing to be in that space.”
“When the time comes, it’s going to come”, says Ko, making her decision final regarding retirement. Ko also reflected on her illustrious career, which has included numerous accolades. “I think I’ve obviously had an unbelievable… 12 years on tour,” she said, highlighting the rapid passage of time. Her impressive career highlights include winning 20 LPGA Tour titles, two major championships, and earning Olympic medals, including gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which she still isn’t over yet to date. She’s also made history as the youngest player to win both an LPGA Tour event and a major championship, cementing her status as one of the sport’s top talents.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Golf – Women’s Round 4 – Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France – August 10, 2024. Lydia Ko of New Zealand celebrates after winning gold REUTERS/Paul Childs
With her achievements, Ko expressed gratitude for the opportunities she’s had and excitement for the future. Speaking of the future, do you know Ko has had her plans ready since 2015 for when she retires?
Lydia Ko has some solid plans after she retires
Lydia Ko was thinking beyond her golfing career, with plans to pursue a degree in psychology through distance learning from Seoul’s Korea University. Although her sport remained a priority, the 17-year-old was excited to start this new chapter and explore the various facets of psychology. “That’s a whole new thing, so that’s going to be exciting,” she said in 2015, looking forward to delving into textbooks and learning about different aspects of psychology.
Ko’s interest in psychology extended beyond sports, with a fascination for crime-based TV shows like “Criminal Minds.” She acknowledged that her unconventional learning path might mean she would graduate later than her peers, but she was focused on gaining knowledge and earning her degree.
“As long as I feel like I’ve learned something and I can get my degree, that’s the most important part,” she said. Outside of golf and studies, Ko was also looking forward to obtaining her driver’s license, joking about her limited experience behind the wheel. Now Ko has a license but is still aiming for that degree. Do you think she’ll complete it once she retires? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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