As the 2024 LPGA Tour season nears its close, all eyes are on Lydia Ko, one of the most consistent and inspiring players in the game. With a strong finish to the year, Ko has continued to make history, securing three LPGA wins, including a major victory at the AIG Women’s Open—her third major title and first in eight years. With only one event left on the calendar, the CME Group Tour Championship, Ko’s legacy continues to grow. Let’s revisit some of her top moments from this prestigious season-ending event.
Can Lydia Ko Make It Three Wins at the CME Group Tour Championship?
Ko enters her 10th CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburón Golf Club with plenty of experience under her belt. She has already won the prestigious title twice, in 2014 and 2022, and has accumulated five other top-10 finishes. But with the competition fierce, will she be able to claim her third win?
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The CME Group Tour Championship is a tournament Ko knows well. Her consistency here is remarkable, and her previous success shows that she thrives under the spotlight. Now, with only one chance left to close out the year, will Ko add yet another memorable win to her resume?
Lydia Ko’s First CME Group Tour Championship Victory at Just 17
One of Ko’s most unforgettable moments came in 2014 when she claimed her first CME Group Tour Championship win at the tender age of 17. Entering the final round three shots behind, Ko played a flawless game, finishing with a bogey-free 68 to force a playoff. In a tense battle with Julieta Granada and Carlota Ciganda, Ko held her nerve, making par on four consecutive trips down the 18th hole. She sealed the victory in style, earning a $1 million prize.
Reflecting on the win, Ko recalled her excitement when she saw the prize money: “When I saw that $1 million in the box, I was like, ‘Wow, I wonder who the winner of that will be?’ It’s amazing. I’ve never seen that much cash in one place before. This year has been awesome.” At just 17, Ko proved she was a force to be reckoned with, and this victory marked the start of an incredible career.
Lydia Ko’s 2022 Victory: A Historic Comeback
It took Ko seven years to reclaim the CME Group Tour Championship title, but her 2022 win was one for the ages. The victory not only secured her second CME trophy but also earned her the 2022 Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy for the second consecutive year. With rounds of 65 and 66, Ko built a commanding lead, holding off a fierce challenge from Leona Maguire.
Ko’s emotions were palpable as she reflected on the win: “To be the Player of the Year and to win the Vare Trophy again and to win the CME Group Tour Championship, it’s a dream come true.” The victory was a true testament to Ko’s consistency and resilience, securing her place at the top of women’s golf.
In addition to the honors, Ko took home a staggering $2 million in prize money and finished the season at No. 1 on the LPGA money list. This win was a culmination of Ko’s hard work and determination, and it firmly reestablished her as one of the tour’s premier players.
The Emotional Significance of Ko’s 2022 Win
While her first victory at the CME Group Tour Championship in 2014 was filled with youthful excitement, her 2022 triumph carried a deeper emotional significance. In the final round, Ko faced intense pressure but rose to the occasion, sinking key birdies at holes 16 and 17 to take a two-shot lead. With a two-putt par on 18 to seal her win, the emotions flooded over her.
As she stood in front of the media, Ko wiped away tears and handed her winning golf ball to a young fan, symbolizing her journey from a teenage prodigy to a seasoned champion. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I was still pretty young; I was still in my teens; I don’t think it really sunk in those moments. But when I had that short putt and I knew all the things that were going to happen after that putt, I think all those emotions kind of settled in.”
Ko’s Consistency at the CME Group Tour Championship
Although Ko has only won the CME Group Tour Championship twice, her consistent performances at the event are nothing to overlook. Over the years, she has recorded five top-10 finishes, including a T7 in 2015, a T10 in 2016, and a T5 in both 2018 and 2020. Ko’s ability to remain competitive year after year proves her consistency and determination to perform at the highest level.
While she has yet to secure a third win, Ko’s track record at the CME Group Tour Championship places her among the event’s most consistent players.
Ko’s Personal Milestones and New Beginnings
The 2022 CME win was also significant on a personal level, as it marked the last time Ko would play as a bachelorette. Later that year, she married her fiancé, Chung Jun. In 2024, Ko and her husband adopted a Shiba Inu puppy named Kai, bringing even more joy into their lives. Ko brought Kai to the golf course for the first time, showing how she balances her professional and personal life.
“It’s been a special year,” Ko said. “Adopted this handsome man at the Mizuho in New York, so it’s been awesome. To be able to share these moments with my family and my team has honestly been a fairytale of a season.” Now, as she competes in the 2024 CME Group Tour Championship, Ko’s journey is a perfect blend of professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
Lydia Ko brought a friend to the golf course today. pic.twitter.com/dhXMfhOBxg
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) November 19, 2024
Will Ko Make History Again at the CME Group Tour Championship?
As the 2024 season comes to a close, Lydia Ko’s performance at the CME Group Tour Championship could add yet another chapter to her storied career. With two previous wins and a slew of top finishes, Ko’s history with this event is rich. Will she add a third win to her collection? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Ko’s impact on the LPGA Tour is undeniable.
FAQ About Lydia Ko’s CME Group Tour Championship Performances
1. How many times has Lydia Ko won the CME Group Tour Championship?
Lydia Ko has won the CME Group Tour Championship twice: once in 2014 and again in 2022.
2. What is Lydia Ko’s biggest achievement in 2024?
In 2024, Ko won three LPGA titles, including a major victory at the AIG Women’s Open, and claimed an Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
3. How many top-10 finishes has Ko had at the CME Group Tour Championship?
Ko has had five top-10 finishes at the CME Group Tour Championship, including a T7 in 2015 and a T5 in both 2018 and 2020.
4. What personal milestone did Lydia Ko achieve in 2022?
In 2022, Lydia Ko married her fiancé, Chung Jun, and later that year, they adopted a Shiba Inu puppy named Kai.
5. What makes Lydia Ko’s performances at the CME Group Tour Championship memorable?
Ko’s first win in 2014 at the age of 17, her emotional 2022 victory, and her consistent finishes over the years make her performances at the CME Group Tour Championship truly memorable.
