"Done so much for the game of golf" - Lydia Ko praises Lexi Thompson for inspiring junior girls amid retirement talks
Lydia Ko, who won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, recently opened up about Lexi Thompson’s achievements and how Thompson has been an inspiration for young aspiring golfers. Thompson announced her retirement from the game earlier this year in May and will retire by the end of the 2024 season.
Meanwhile, there have been rumors surrounding Ko’s retirement as well.
The Kiwi golfer, who won the gold medal earlier this month and was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, has faced speculation that she might follow Thompson's lead and retire. Despite these rumors, Ko is committed to competing at the AIG Women’s Open. During a press conference for the tournament, she spoke about Thompson's retirement at the age of 29.
Lydia Ko praised Lexi Thompson as an inspiration, especially for junior girls, and noted that even if Thompson retires, she will still be involved in "golf in some shape or form."
"Lexi has done so much for the game of golf and for our tour. She is at every single Pro-Am party. So, it's not just what she does on the golf course, inspiring these junior girls and the people out here, but she does so much off the golf course, as well," Lydia Ko said.
"I'm sure that even when she does retire, it's not like she's going to go MIA and not be seen again. I'm sure she's still going to be involved in golf in some shape or form."
Thompson has been playing professional golf since 2010. She has won 11 LPGA Tour events, which are part of her total of 15 professional wins. Additionally, she won the 2014 Chevron Championship, her only Major victory.
Lydia Ko provides an update on retirement plans
Lydia Ko last competed at the 2024 Women’s Scottish Open shortly after her victory at the Paris Olympics. During a press conference at the tournament, she was asked about her retirement plans.
The 27-year-old golfer stated that she had previously mentioned a plan to retire at 30, but she clarified that she is not currently sure when she will retire from golf.
"I always said 30 but I said 30 like ten years ago, and I don't even know why I said 30 at that point. I have bad days and good days, and bad days, I want to quit that day. And good days, you feel like you could go and do this forever and it feels like that moment is going to last forever," Lydia Ko said.
"I personally don't know when the ending point is but I obviously have set another goal for myself so I'm not just like cluelessly playing on tour. You know, even if I was to stop today, I'm obviously very grateful for everything that has happened in my career so far, but I haven't really set an end date yet," she added.
Meanwhile, on the greens, Ko has had a strong 2024 season. She recorded some impressive finishes this year, including winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. She has achieved four top-10 finishes this season and will next compete at the AIG Women’s Open.