Is Lydia Ko Playing in the 2024 Women’s Scottish Open Despite Her Hall of Fame Entry?
“It would be a hell of a way to do it,” said Lydia Ko ahead of her third Olympics, and she really did it. With silver in Rio, bronze in Tokyo, and at last gold in Paris, Ko now has all three medals from the Olympics to her name. The three-time Olympic medalist carded one-under-par in the final round and claimed gold in stunning fashion. Not only did she become a golf medalist at Le Golf National, but she also became an LPGA Hall of Famer. Following this remarkable patriotic accomplishment, is the par-72 Dundonald Links course her next destination?
Yes, it is! Ko is part of the Women’s Scottish Open field and will compete in the $2 million purse event from August 15th to 18th. Despite her entry to the LPGA HoF, the golfer is part of the 144 players’ field at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open.
Before teeing off at the Paris Olympics, she was just one point shy of entering the LPGA HoF. To enter the Hall of Fame, a golfer needs to have 27 points. After claiming the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions back in January this year, the golfer was sitting on 26 points. Lydia Ko has 18 regular LPGA Tour wins, two major victories, two Player of the Year awards, and two Vare Trophy awards.
Lydia is in the field at the Scottish Open next week. Will be interesting to hear what’s next for her. I wouldn’t be surprised if she retired today! Or at the end of the season. I have no idea what’s coming next but enjoy her while you can. She’s a tremendous ambassador.
— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) August 10, 2024
Taking a look at Lydia Ko’s last five performances except at the Olympics, it’s been a roller coaster ride. She missed the cut at the US Women’s Open in May and barely made it at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where she finished T46. Her performance improved slightly at the Dow Championship, tying for 27th. However, she faced another setback at the Amundi Evian Championship, finishing T39. These setbacks did not fade her resilience, as she was determined to complete her medal trifecta in Paris.
She made a comeback at the CPKC Women’s Open, finishing T8, and carried the momentum to the Paris Olympics. Interestingly, gold isn’t the only thing Ko earned at the Olympics. Ko will receive $40,000 annually as a bonus cash prize from New Zealand until the LA Olympics. While she is a part of the Women’s Scottish Open field, another top player is missing out on the tournament.
2x major winner won’t be part of the Women’s Scottish Open field
It was a heartbreak for Nelly Korda since she was back after a “recharge” and was planning to go all out at Le Golf National. She was ready to defend her gold medal, but sadly, she could not. By no means was her performance less than ideal, as she finished in 22nd place, but it was still very far from the gold she won during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Considering that the golfer is now choosing to take another break and spend some family time,.
When asked whether she’s playing in the Women’s Scottish Open or not, the #1 had a simple answer: “No. I’m going to go see my family in Prague next week. British, Solheim, Cincinnati.” She didn’t say anything further about her decision to go on a break. It could be to figure things out as before a couple of key events: the AIG Women’s Open and the Solheim Cup.
What do you think about both Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda’s decisions at the Women’s Scottish Open? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
