Lydia Ko is a New Zealand professional golfer who was born in Korea. The 25-year-old has had a remarkable career and a long list of accomplishments to go with it. The LPGA star ranked number one in the world at the age of 17, making her the youngest to ever do so among both genders. She is also the youngest female ever to win two major championships, doing so a few days before turning 19.
Ko recently won her 18th LPGA Tour title at the BMW Ladies Championship. She did so with a score of 7-under 65 in the final round. Lydia has been trending as of late, but not just because of her 18th LPGA win. Due to “logistical reasons,” Lydia’s coach for the past two years, Sean Foley, and her have decided to no longer work together, leaving the golf world jaw-dropped.
Lydia Ko and Sean Foley’s partnership.
Lydia and Foley began their partnership during the peak of COVID in July 2020. Back then, Ko ranked outside of the top 50. In April 2021, Ko went on to win the Lotte Championship, putting an end to a nearly 3-year winless drought.
Foley was not just a swing coach to Lydia; she often turned to him for life advice. She said, “Sometimes I talk about life things with him. It’s nice to talk to him about golf things and non-golf things. He’s very straightforward and gives grounded advice.”
Despite no longer working together, Ko says that she’s extremely grateful to Sean for all he has helped her with, saying, “Over the past two years he has helped me evolve as a better player and person.” She further went on to give Foley an emotional thank you. “Sean will always be a close friend. Sean has been and will be a mentor to me. Thank you again, Sean, for your inspiration and your support in my golf and personal life.”
Why Did Foley And Ko Split?
Ko wrote, “Our time together was full of so much learning, laughter. Last month, we decided to go our own ways as a coach and player due to logistical reasons.” Majority of the golfing community and the fans were stunned by this revelation.
Must admit that I was shocked by this development! https://t.co/QDSBlaLlYr
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) October 31, 2022
Doesn’t make sense. She’s has a great season under him.
— Mic O. (@Titleist1x) October 31, 2022
Why mess with success?
— Gary Kingsbury (@GaryASP2015) October 31, 2022
With Lydia already having two wins this season, observers wonder if not working with Foley was the right decision. Ko’s sister, who is also her manager said that Ko has since, been casually working part-time with instructor Ted Oh again. Lydia previously worked with Ted before the 2018 season.
The current world rank 3 is set to be back on the course again, at the Pelican Gold Club in Belleair, FL, on the 10th of November. Will she continue to dominate the golf world even without Foley? Tune into the Pelican Women’s Championship, to find out.
