Ko aims to channel 'inner Foxy' for Women's Open bid

Lydia Ko, the New Zealand golfer, is aiming to tap into her “inner Foxy” as she prepares to compete in the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham this week. The 29-year-old, already a four-time major champion, seeks to claim victory again on the challenging course, following the inspirational win of fellow New Zealaner Ryan Fox at the men’s British Open earlier this month. Ko expressed excitement about Fox’s achievement, which marked only the second time a New Zealander had triumphed in golf’s oldest major. Ko, who watched the tournament from afar, described how Fox’s performance, particularly during the final round, left her in awe. She noted his fearless approach and ability to deliver under pressure, qualities she hopes to mirror in her own game. “It would be cool to channel my inner Foxy,” she said, emphasizing the importance of confidence and composure on the course. Her admiration for Fox extends beyond his recent success; she has long admired his ability to consistently produce strong scores, even when not always finding the fairways. Ko is among only four New Zealanders to win a golf major, joining the ranks of legendary players such as Bob Charles, who claimed the 1963 Open at Lytham, and Michael Campbell, the 2005 U.S. Open champion. Fox, who recently secured his own major title, is another notable name in the country’s golfing history. Ko, who has competed alongside Fox in multiple Olympics, recalls how he once seemed able to effortlessly score low numbers, even on difficult courses. This contrasts with her own style, which emphasizes precision and straight driving, skills she believes will be crucial against the demanding layout of Royal Lytham. The course, known for its numerous pot bunkers and tight fairways, presents a unique challenge. Ko admitted it is one of the toughest Women’s Open venues she has encountered. While she does not recall specific memories of past performances on the course, she acknowledged that some of the bunkers she encountered in previous tournaments are familiar. Even under ideal conditions, she found the course to be unforgiving, reinforcing her belief that a strong performance here would be a significant accomplishment. This week marks Ko’s third attempt to win the Women’s Open after previously claiming the title at St Andrews two years ago. Since then, she has faced mixed results in the majors, including a missed cut at the year’s first two tournaments. At the PGA Championship, she finished tied 15th, while her best result at the Evian Championship came in the form of a tie for seventh. These outcomes highlight the competitive landscape dominated by American world number one Nelly Korda and South Korean star Ryu Hae-ran, both of whom have secured two major victories this season. As Ko prepares to take on the challenge of Royal Lytham, she remains focused on her own game and the legacy of New Zealand’s golfing greats. With the Women’s Open set to begin, all eyes will be on whether she can channel the spirit of her compatriot Fox and secure another major title.