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 New Zealand star was visibly moved by the recent victory of fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox at The Open, a win that sparked both tears and a surge of motivation for Ko. Ryan Fox secured a dramatic one‑stroke victory at Royal Birkdale earlier this month, sealing the triumph with a clutch birdie on the final hole. His success marked only the third time a New Zealand male golfer has claimed a major title, joining the legendary Bob Charles, who lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham & St Annes back in 1963.
Fox's win resonated deeply with Ko, who was watching the tournament from the west coast of the United States. She recalled how she tried to follow the action on a television set, but the broadcast failed, forcing her to rely on her phone for live updates. "I would love to keep the dice rolling," Ko said during her pre‑tournament press conference.
"I'm super‑excited for Foxy [Ryan Fox] and for all of New Zealand golf after his win at Royal Birkdale. I’ve never been this nervous and excited watching someone else play.
His back‑nine performance over the weekend was simply incredible. It would be amazing to tap into his fearless mindset over the next few days." Fox had been eight strokes behind the leader at the halfway point before delivering a historic third‑round 62, tying the best score ever recorded in a men’s major.
He entered the final day just two shots off the lead and clinched the title by birdieing two of his last three holes. Ko described the emotional impact of witnessing the finish: "I was on a workout, and every time I tried to turn on The Open, it wouldn’t work, so I watched on my phone.
I was so focused that I completely forgot my workout. When I got home, I saw his decisive drive on the 18th and I just screamed.
My husband ran out asking what was happening, and ten seconds later I was crying. It was a huge emotional moment for me, and I can only imagine how it felt for him." Ko’s own major campaign this season has been a roller‑coaster.
She missed the cut at the first two women’s majors of the year, but rebounded with a solid performance at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, where she climbed from a slow start to finish tied for 15th. She then posted a seventh‑place finish at the Amundi Evian Championship. Now, at 29, she lines up alongside multiple major winners Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu for the opening rounds of the AIG Women’s Open, fully aware of the formidable challenge that lies ahead. "Winning would be incredibly special," Ko explained.
"This feels like the toughest Women’s Open I’ve ever played. When I first competed in 2018, I remember getting stuck in a lot of bunkers that are still fresh in my memory. The course has been re‑configured slightly, but even on a perfect day it plays very tough. To win on a layout of this calibre would make me feel especially proud." Ko believes that a victory would carry significance beyond her personal achievement.
"With Foxy having won The Open, a win for me would be very meaningful and empowering for golf in New Zealand," she added, emphasizing the inspirational ripple effect a dual success could have for the sport back home. The AIG Women’s Open will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, featuring a new "Featured Groups" format that provides additional live coverage. The tournament’s first two days will begin at 9 a.m. on Sky Sports Golf, with full coverage kicking off at 1 p.m.
and the final rounds streamed from midday over the weekend. Fans can also stream the event without a contract through Sky’s online platform. Beyond the immediate competition, Ko’s determination to emulate Fox’s fearless approach underscores a broader narrative about New Zealand’s emerging golf pedigree. The country, long celebrated for its historic male champions, is now witnessing a surge of talent on the women’s side, with Ko at the forefront.
Her quest for a second AIG Women’s Open title—her first coming just three years ago—could cement her status as one of the nation’s most successful golfers across both genders. In summary, Lydia Ko’s emotional response to Ryan Fox’s Open triumph has ignited a fresh wave of ambition. By aiming to channel his daring spirit, she hopes to translate that energy into a performance that could see her lift the AIG Women’s Open trophy once again.
The stakes are high, the course is demanding, and the support of a nation eager for another major win fuels her drive. Whether she ultimately captures the title or not, Ko’s commitment to embracing her "inner Foxy" adds a compelling storyline to an already thrilling major championship season.