"I didn't really think I was capable"- Olympic champion Lydia Ko makes honest admission about Hall of Fame induction
Lydia Ko officially made it into the LPGA Hall of Fame after winning her first Olympic gold medal. The New Zealand star can now call herself a Hall of Famer, a title that aptly sums up her impressive career and many accolades.
After she took home the gold medal, she was asked what it meant to have that new label applied to her name. Ko said all the recent moments hadn't fully sunk in yet for her. She also spoke about her thoughts of being in the Hall of Fame.
Ko said (via ASAP Sports):
"Yeah, it's super cool. Molly gave me the warmest welcome to the Hall of Fame on that Saturday. I think I've said multiple times before, I didn't really think I was capable of getting in any sort of Hall of Fame, and to say that I've gotten in the Hall of Fame at my sport in something that's given me so much is surreal."
Ko added that all the Hall of Famers "ladies and legends" are golfing greats, and they paved the way for Ko and others to have the opportunities they do.
She continued:
"To say that I'm part of that kind of history book is really cool, and yeah, I think I almost need like a few weeks off to like really take everything in, all of this."
Few golfers have the accolades and wins that Ko has earned throughout her impressive career, especially since the chance to win an Olympic medal only comes every four years, and that too only if they qualify for the Games.
Lydia Ko discusses next major milestone aim
What Lydia Ko does for the duration of her career will not affect her status as a Hall of Famer. She can perhaps add to or detract from the legacy she leaves when she does retire, but golf is unique in that the Hall of Fame doesn't have to wait for retirement.
However, she has no plans of retiring just yet, In fact, even after achieving this status, she does still have goals.
When asked about not having won a tournament in Scotland yet, she shared that one of her goals is to be in contention at the Open Championship. Scottish golf is considered more challenging due to the bunkers and the links-style play, and Ko wants to at least get close to winning if not take home the trophy.
She said:
"I would love to like be in contention (in Scotland) , and I think playing this week will get me more accustomed to this style of golf. You know, I think people -- one of my coaches were [sic] asking me, oh, then what's your goal now, even if it's a small goal?"
Ko went on to say she wants to win one major before she retires. She has no idea when that will come to be, but that's the goal she is currently working on. Ko added that she'd be "shocked" if it happened next week, but it's possible.