New Zealand golfer Dame Lydia Ko. Photo: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire / PHOTOSPORT
A lot happened for Dame Lydia Ko in 2024 - and she has been reminded of that on her return to the British Open.
Ko is about to compete in Wales for the first time with the Women's Open being played at Royal Porthcawl.
The 28-year-old claimed her third major title last year in St. Andrews, it came just two weeks after winning gold at the Paris Olympics.
"It's weird to hear that I'm a defending champion of this Championship," Ko said on the eve of the 2025 tournament.
"Obviously a lot of great memories at St Andrews last year. I can't believe that it's almost been a year since then. It's exciting."
The world number three capped off a great 2024 by earning her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.
This week Ko isn't feeling any extra pressure as defending champion.
"At the end of the day, I don't have to prove to anybody that I can win the Women's Open. In that sense, I think it lets me be free and just kind of focus on what this week will bring."
She is expecting Royal Porthcawl to be a challenge.
"This is a very different type of links golf course that I've played compared to the past.
"Regardless of if you're the defending champion or you qualified I think it's going to be a really tough week."
2024 British Women's Open champion, Dame Lydia Ko. Photo: David Young / PHOTOSPORT
Ko is also expecting the typical British summer to throw up some challenges.
"I would rather it be tough than be calm. As much as I love sunny weather, when I'm coming to play the Women's Open, I expect it to be rainy, windy, and that's what I've got to really enjoy about this Championship."
Ko will tee it up in round one alongside England's Lottie Woad and 2023 Women's Open Champion Lilia Vu.
Despite this being just her second professional event, Woad is the bookmakers favourite to win the tournament.
The 21-year-old won the Irish Open as an amateur earlier this month and after turning pro won the Scottish Open last week.
