Lydia Ko ready to embrace Welsh challenge
Ko embraces title defence in Wales with calm mindset and respect for rising stars
Porthcawl, Wales - Defending AIG Women’s Open champion Lydia Ko is back in Britain, eager to defend her title and experience Wales for the first time as the historic championship visits the principality.
Ko, who triumphed last year at St Andrews in testing conditions, arrives with fond memories of her Open breakthrough but remains focused on adapting to new surroundings. “It’s my first time to Wales,” she said. “Regardless of how my results go this week, I think it’s going to be great to be playing as defending champion.”
Her victory at the Old Course, which she called “one of the greatest weeks of my life”, was grounded in calmness, patience, and a mindset that prioritised creativity over perfection. “I didn’t think I was in contention until the 16th. I just wanted to finish strong,” she reflected. “Maybe if I’d seen the leaderboard earlier, I would have managed the course differently—but that freedom helped me focus shot by shot.”
While Wales is new to Ko, she recognises the significance of the championship’s debut there. “I think this is the biggest women’s sporting event in Wales,” she said. “Hopefully that draws a lot of crowds out here.” And with notoriously unpredictable links conditions expected, Ko is welcoming the challenge. “When I’m coming to play the Women’s Open, I expect it to be rainy, windy… and that’s what I’ve come to really enjoy.”
Alongside her own preparation, Ko is keeping an eye on rising star Lottie Woad, whom she’ll play with during the opening rounds. “She’s come out with a bang,” Ko said, praising Woad’s composed demeanour and early wins. “There’s aspects of her swing I’m going for myself.”
Still, Ko insists she feels no added pressure as defending champion. “I don’t have to prove to anybody that I can win the AIG Women’s Open. That lets me be free and focus on what this week will bring.”