Lydia Ko has openly declared that she intends to "channel her inner Foxy" as she sets her sights on adding another major championship to her résumé at the AIG Women's Open. The inspiration for this newfound determination comes from the emotional surge she experienced when fellow New Zealander Ryan Fox clinched a dramatic victory at The Open earlier this month. Fox’s one‑shot win at Royal Birkdale, sealed by a birdie on the final hole, made him only the third male golfer from New Zealand to capture a major title, and his triumph resonated deeply with Ko, who was watching from the west coast of the United States. Fox’s victory was historic for several reasons.
It marked the first time a New Zealander had won The Open since the legendary Bob Charles lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1963, a venue that will also host Ko as she competes for a fourth major and a second AIG Women’s Open crown. Fox entered the final round eight strokes behind the leader but produced a third‑round 62—matching the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s major at that point—to pull within two shots. He then birdied two of his last three holes on Sunday, sealing a one‑stroke win that sent shockwaves through the golf community and, more personally, through Ko’s own aspirations.
In her pre‑tournament press conference, Ko said, "I would love to keep the dice rolling. I’m super‑excited for Foxy and for all of New Zealand golf after his win at Royal Birkdale. I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous and excited watching someone else play. His back‑nine performance and the way he handled the pressure over the weekend were incredible.
It would be cool to channel my inner Foxy and his fearlessness over the next few days." The phrase "inner Foxy" quickly became a rallying cry for Ko, symbolising the blend of confidence, composure and daring she hopes to emulate on the links at Royal Lytham. Ko recounted the moment she learned of Fox’s triumph: "I was at the gym and kept asking the TV to switch to The Open. It wouldn’t work, so I watched on my phone.
I can’t even remember my workout because my whole focus was on the finish. I took an Uber home, and as soon as I got back, Fox was on the 18th hole.
When I saw that decisive drive I felt a rush of relief and pure excitement. I slammed the door, shouted, and my husband ran in asking what was happening. Ten seconds later I was crying—so emotional.
I can only imagine how he felt watching me react." This raw, unfiltered reaction underscores how deeply Fox’s success impacted Ko, turning a personal moment of joy into a source of motivation for her own major campaign. Ko’s recent major‑championship record has been a mix of highs and lows.
She missed the cut in the first two women’s majors of the season, but rebounded with a tied‑15th finish at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after a slow start, and followed that with a shared seventh place at the Amundi Evian Championship. Now, at 29, she will tee off alongside multiple major winners such as Nelly Korda and Ha‑Rin Ryu during the opening rounds of the AIG Women’s Open.
The course, known for its deep bunkers and unpredictable weather, has been described by Ko as the toughest Women’s Open she has ever played. She reflected, "When I played in 2018 I think I spent a lot of time in the bunkers that are still in my memory. This year the layout feels almost new to me.
They’ve made some adjustments to a few holes, but it remains a very demanding test. Even on a perfect day the course plays hard, so winning here would feel especially rewarding." Ko believes that a victory would carry significance far beyond personal achievement. "With Foxy having won The Open, a win for me would be incredibly meaningful and empowering for golf in New Zealand," she said. The sentiment captures a broader narrative: New Zealand golf is experiencing a renaissance, with both male and female players achieving historic milestones on the world stage.
Ko’s desire to mirror Fox’s fearlessness suggests a collaborative spirit among the nation’s elite golfers, each inspiring the other to push boundaries. The AIG Women’s Open itself is set to receive unprecedented coverage in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with Sky Sports holding exclusive broadcasting rights. For the first time, the network will offer a "Featured Groups" format, beginning at 9 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, before transitioning to full coverage at 1 p.m. The weekend’s third and fourth rounds will be broadcast live from midday, providing fans with up to six additional hours of live action compared with previous years. This expanded exposure underscores the growing popularity of women’s golf and the heightened interest surrounding Ko’s quest for a second title.
As Ko prepares for the tournament, she remains mindful of the challenges ahead. The course’s strategic bunkering, fast greens, and potential coastal winds demand precise shot‑making and mental resilience. Yet Ko’s recent comments reveal a mindset focused on embracing pressure rather than fearing it. She plans to draw on the energy of Fox’s recent triumph, using it as a mental anchor to stay composed during the crucial moments of her round.
In summary, Lydia Ko’s ambition to "channel her inner Foxy" encapsulates a blend of personal inspiration, national pride, and competitive drive. By tapping into the excitement generated by Ryan Fox’s Open victory, she hopes to translate that emotional momentum into performance on the links at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Whether she ultimately lifts the AIG Women’s Open trophy remains to be seen, but her determination, coupled with the historic context of New Zealand golf’s resurgence, ensures that her pursuit will be watched closely by fans worldwide.
The combination of expanded broadcast coverage, a challenging course, and the symbolic weight of following in Fox’s footsteps makes this major a compelling narrative for both the sport and its growing global audience.