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Lydia Ko hit an 8-under 64 in the opener of this week's Aramco Saudi Ladies to register her lead in the tournament. The Kiwi golfer tied the knot with her long-term boyfriend Jun Chung on December 30 and started the new year with an amazing shot to co-lead alongside Pajaree Anannarukan.
Ko practiced eight rounds of golf while on her honeymoon and the result was seen in her performance at the Saudi Ladies.
Speaking about her game, Lydia Ko said:
“I had a few weeks to prepare for this one, but I played a lot of golf, maybe a bit too much golf, on my honeymoon. But my husband loves golf and that’s something that we can mutually do together, so we took advantage of that. And actually, thanks to him it made my transition into off-season practice a lot easier."
She added:
“Yeah, if somebody said, 'hey, you’re going to play eight rounds of golf over two weeks on your honeymoon,' I probably would’ve laughed at that person, but it became reality and I had so much fun.”
Ko started the new year where she left off last year at the top. She maintained her lead and is looking forward to extending it after winning the 2023 Aramco Saudi Ladies.
Lydia Ko starts the season with a new caddie
Lydia Ko hired a new caddie for the season. She is now accompanied by veteran David Jones.
She worked with Sean Foley before the pair split ways in November 2022. The current World No. 1 golfer announced the news on her social media page, claiming they split up due to 'logistical reasons.'
Lydia thanked Sean for his help in improving the game and said:
"When I first met Sean, I was in a place where I didn't have a lot of confidence in myself and in my game. Over the past two years, he has helped me evolve as a better player and person. Our togetherness was full of so much learning, laughter."
She added:
"Last month, we decided to go our ways as a coach and player due to logistical reasons."
Ko went on to write that even though she has parted ways with Sean, he will always be her good friend.
"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 support in my golf and personal life."
After splitting ways with Sean Foley, Lydia Ko started working with Ted Oh before finally working with David.
The following month, she won the CME Group Championship and regained her No. 1 title, surpassing Nelly Korda. Her search for a caddie seems to be coming to an end now.
The Aramco Saudi Ladies tournament is underway in Saudi Arabia. The event started on Thursday, February 16, and will run through Sunday, February 19. It is one of the biggest events of the year and has a purse equal to that of the men's tournament.
