Lydia Ko jokes about being a potential Hall of Famer in ‘cleaning the dishes’ as she nears big achievement in golf
Lydia Ko opened up about being a potential candidate to become a Hall of Fame inductee if she wins this week. The Kiwi golfer currently has 26 points and needs just one more point to secure her spot in the Hall of Fame.
A victory at this week's CPKC Women's Open can help her earn that point. After two rounds of the event, Lydia Ko is tied for fourth place at 3-under par and is in contention for victory.
Following the second round of the tournament, the two-time major winner discussed her Hall of Fame prospects. Ko admitted that growing up, she never imagined she could one day be a potential candidate for this prestigious title. She even joked in the interview that she hadn't imagined doing the dishes either.
Speaking about becoming a Hall of Famer, Ko said (via LPGA Tour's X account):
"I honestly didn't grow up thinking I was going to be a Hall of Famer in anything, not even like cleaning the dishes. So, you know, to have had this opportunity, especially after a great year in 22', something that honesty wasn't a goal of mine became a chance," Lydia said.
"And I know that not every single player or every single athlete has this chance. So, it's pretty cool to know and think that I could potentially be a Hall of Famer. At the same time, I'm pretty sure it's not going to change my life that much. Whether I am, or I'm not , the same people that love me, whether it's my husband or my family, they're still going to love me, no matter what," she added.
Notably, earlier this year, Lydia Ko came close to earning the Hall of Fame title. She was very close to winning the LPGA Drive On Championship but ended up in second place, which dashed her chances of adding another accolade to her career.
Since then, she has struggled with her game, with a only top-10 finish recorded at the Blue Bay LPGA. However, she is now in contention to win the CPKC Women's Open, which is scheduled to conclude on July 28.
It is important to note that following this week's event, Lydia Ko will head to the Paris Olympics to represent New Zealand in the prestigious games. The women's golf event at the Olympics is scheduled to take place from August 7 to 10.
A look into Lydia Ko's professional career
Lydia Ko is one of the most successful LPGA Tour players in the world. She had a distinguished career as an amateur and has also achieved tremendous success as a professional.
Ko became the number one golfer in the Women's World Golf Ranking at the age of 17 years, nine months, and nine days, making her the youngest player in the history of golf to top the rankings.
Lydia Ko began playing professionally in 2013, and just two years later, in 2015, she won her maiden major at the Evian Championship at the age of 18 years, four months, and 20 days. She is the youngest female golfer to win a major. In her career, Ko has won 28 professional events, including two majors.