Lydia Ko, after a challenging year in 2023 following a stellar honeymoon, is on the rebound at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. The 26-year-old golf sensation, a 19-time LPGA Tour winner and two-time major champion, shares the 36-hole lead with Japan’s Ayaka Furue at 8-under 136.
Ko had a tough go on the LPGA circuit last season, often leaving tournaments in tears. However, she found success elsewhere in 2023, winning the Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour and partnering with the PGA Tour’s Jason Day in an unofficial mixed-team event.
Now, at Lake Nona, her newfound home, Ko seems to be back in form. A bogey-free 67 in the LPGA’s season opener puts her in a strong position for the weekend. She's tied with Furue, who, despite a less stellar second round, managed to hang on in challenging conditions.
Ko’s results on the LPGA in 2023 were turbulent, with only one top-10 finish in 19 events. Missing the CME Group Tour Championship was a surprising setback. However, her performance at the TOC signals a potential resurgence.
Facing the cold front expected over the weekend, Ko remains focused, acknowledging the challenge of the weather. “It wasn’t easy, especially the wind picking up after nine holes,” she noted. “So that’s going to be the mindset for the next couple of days... but definitely glad that I’m done and it’s still raining outside.”
After leading the LPGA in total strokes gained on the field a season ago, Ko slipped to 56th. Despite the setback, she's still within reach of the World Golf Hall of Fame, sitting just two points away. With victories counting as one point and majors as two, Ko is rejuvenated with a new coach, Si Woo Lee, and renewed confidence.
Ayaka Furue, the 23-year-old with a strong putting game and an LPGA victory at the 2022 Scottish Open, didn’t replicate her stellar opening round but managed to hold her ground in tougher conditions. The LPGA members, alongside a field of athletes and celebrities, will play 72 holes in their season opener.
Meanwhile, Annika Sorenstam, a 72-time LPGA winner and Lake Nona resident, leads among the celebrities, tied with former NHL player Jeremy Roenick with 75 points. Former MLB pitcher Derek Lowe, who edged out Sorenstam in a playoff two years ago, trails by four points after shooting the equivalent of 70 on Friday.
As the tournament unfolds, Ko and Furue lead the charge, setting the stage for an exciting weekend at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tourname
nt of Champions.