“It’s Crazy”: Lydia Ko Gets Brutally Candid About Struggling Pros’ Dilemma as Their Identity Gets Severely Questioned

Lydia Ko, a prominent figure in professional golf, recently shared her candid thoughts on the challenges faced by struggling pros as their identity becomes a focal point amid performance lows.

After 14 months, Ko is on the brink of victory, overcoming a turbulent period since the 2022 CME Group Tour Championship. Acknowledging the toll of bad form, she openly admitted that doubts about future success often linger during such periods.

In a press conference following her impressive 4-under 68 performance in the third round of the HGV Tournament of Champions, Ko expressed the profound impact golf has on her life. Revealing that she dreams about the sport, including scenarios of missing tee times, Ko emphasized the deep connection between her identity and the game she loves.

The Kiwi pro delved into the struggle of differentiating personal identity from professional performance, especially during challenging times spanning months or even years. Reflecting on her own experiences, Ko revealed that Juli Inkster’s advice to focus on shooting under par every day, regardless of the score, provided a valuable perspective that resonated with her journey.

As Ko stands on the verge of her 20th elite-level victory, she emphasizes the importance of enjoying the present moment in golf, understanding that success is not solely determined by a string of birdies and eagles. With a renewed mindset, Ko looks forward to building momentum for the upcoming season, hoping to add the Lake Nona title to her collection and inch closer to LPGA Hall of Fame glory.