"I'm not done yet"- Lydia Ko ends incredible 2024 LPGA season, looks ahead to next year
Lydia Ko fell a few strokes shy of winning the CME Group Tour Championship to close out her excellent 2024 season. She finished third thanks in no small part to a -9 showing in the fourth round. Despite the loss, it was an overall good season for the golfer.
After the round, Ko was asked what she would remember most from what reporters called a "fairytale" season. She said it would likely be the Olympic gold medal because the event only "comes around every four years" and she knew it was her last shot to medal.
She said via ASAP Sports:
"So to know that it's my last time to be able to win a gold and represent New Zealand at the Olympics, the last is not repeatable. For me to make all my dreams come true by winning the gold there it's been unbelievable."
With that said, it wasn't the only good moment from the season, and her 2024 as a whole has her excited for what the future holds:
"The string of events I've had even after that, winning the AIG women's obviously and playing consistently, I think it's helped with my confidence. I'm excited for what's ahead. I'm not done yet. I'm playing the Grant Thornton Invitational with Jason Day in a couple weeks."
Ko said she is "excited to officially end on a high there." The golfer also added that it is a privilege to be back at the CME Group Tour Championship and that she's had an unbelievable season.
Lydia Ko discusses last-round comeback at CME Group Tour Championship
The final event of the LPGA Tour season did not end with a win for Lydia Ko. Despite a brilliant final round, she was unable to catch Atthaya Thitikul, who shot 22 under for the entire weekend and -7 during Sunday's finale herself.
Ko attempted a furious comeback after being down seven, but it fell short. She said via ASAP Sports:
"Yeah, I stayed really patient out there. Birdied the first four holes and those are the ones where you kind of have to take a step back and be okay with making pars."
Lydia Ko continued:
"Made my first birdie on 5 and I was able to make another string of birdies coming in to finish my front nine. Yeah, overall I played really solid. Gave myself a lot of good looks for birdies."
She finished by saying it was the best way the golfer "could hope to end my official season." Ko called the tournament a special place and was proud of her ability to wrap things up on a high note after such a good overall season.