For years, Lydia Ko has watched from the sidelines as her fellow LPGA stars celebrated numerous team victories. Despite her elite status and multiple major championships, the New Zealand golfer found herself isolated from the camaraderie of team competitions, which many of her peers regularly experienced.
Barriers in Women’s Team Golf
The structure of team events in women’s professional golf has historically created limitations that excluded players like Ko. Prestigious competitions such as the Solheim Cup, which pits Europe against the United States, have been restricted by geographic eligibility, leaving top players from other regions without the chance to compete. As the sole representative of New Zealand at the highest level, Ko was left out of these major team events.
Reflecting on her frustration, Ko shared her thoughts during the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions press conference. “I was pretty annoyed,” she admitted, emphasizing her deep connection to team competition. From her amateur days playing on the New Zealand National Team to competing in provincial tournaments, Ko has always thrived in team environments. “That’s why I love even the Grant Thornton and Dow. Even though it’s a two-person team, still having a partner is such a cool feeling.”
A Long-Awaited Opportunity
After years of being unable to participate, a significant change in professional women’s golf is set to reshape Ko’s career. The LPGA recently announced a major adjustment to the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown tournament, scheduled for 2025. This event will now feature a World Team, bringing together top players from regions that were previously left out of team competitions. For Ko, this is a long-awaited opportunity to finally be part of a high-level team event.
Ko’s past frustration becomes even clearer when she reflects on how much she wanted to compete in these events. “I think internally I may have criticized the tournaments because I just wanted to play so much,” she admitted. “It wasn’t about the event, but it was like my own frustration.” Despite her immense success as an individual golfer, including Olympic medals and major championships, the absence of team opportunities left a gap in her career.
Hearing the news about the World Team filled Ko with excitement. “When I heard the announcement that there was going to be a world team, I was super excited,” she shared. The new format has even influenced her tournament planning. “When the schedule comes out, I always highlight the ones I’m planning to play. That was off my list because I had been me, myself, and I the past few years on Tour.” Now, with the International Crown event set for October at New Korea Country Club, Ko finally has a chance to compete in a prestigious team setting.
A Strong Contender for the International Crown
As Ko prepares for this historic opportunity, she enters 2025 with remarkable momentum. She recently added another Olympic gold medal to her collection and secured multiple tournament victories in 2024. These achievements position her as a strong asset for the World Team.
Ko’s enthusiasm for match play could further elevate her performance in the tournament. “I love match play on top of that,” she said, noting her limited chances to play in such formats in recent years. “I haven’t really had the opportunity to play many match play events properly since Lorena’s event.”
The new World Team concept introduces exciting possibilities. Ranked No. 3 in the world, Ko could potentially join forces with other elite golfers from unrepresented regions, such as France’s Celine Boutier and Canada’s Brooke Henderson. This combination of top-ranked international players creates a formidable squad that could challenge traditional powerhouses like the U.S. and Europe. Given Ko’s vast experience in high-pressure situations and her recent resurgence, the World Team is likely to be a serious contender rather than just an experimental addition.
A Shift Toward Greater Inclusivity
The introduction of a World Team represents a significant shift toward inclusivity in professional women’s golf. For Ko, this long-awaited chance to participate in team events fulfills a personal dream and ensures that elite players from all regions have the opportunity to experience the unique dynamics of team golf. As the sport evolves, this change promises new competitive opportunities for top international players, allowing them to be part of the camaraderie and excitement that team events bring.
As Ko prepares to step onto the International Crown stage, she does so with the knowledge that she is finally getting the chance she has waited for her entire professional career. With her skills, experience, and enthusiasm for team play, she could play a key role in making the World Team a serious contender in 2025.