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 after fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox captured a dramatic victory at The Open earlier this month, a win that has inspired Ko to draw on his fearless approach in the days ahead. Fox's triumph at Royal Birkdale was nothing short of spectacular. After being eight strokes behind the leader at the midway point, he posted a historic third‑round 62, tying the best score ever recorded in a men’s major.

He then closed the tournament with birdies on two of his final three holes, sealing a one‑shot victory and becoming only the third New Zealander to win a men’s major. His success marked the first Open win for New Zealand since Bob Charles lifted the Claret Jug in 1963, also at Royal Lytham & St Annes – the very venue where Ko will compete for her fourth major title and a second AIG Women's Open crown. "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 incredible.

It would be amazing to tap into his fearlessness and let that fuel me over the next few days." The emotional impact of Fox’s victory on Ko was evident. She recounted how she tried to watch the final moments of the Open while on a workout in the United States, only to end up streaming the action on her phone. "I was so focused on his drive on the 18th that I completely forgot about my own routine," she laughed. "When I got home, I saw the winning shot and I just screamed.

My husband ran out asking what was happening, and ten seconds later I was in tears. It was overwhelming – I can only imagine how Ryan felt in that moment." Ko’s own major record this season has been a mixed bag.

She missed the cut in the first two women’s majors of the year, but rebounded with a tied‑15th finish at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after a sluggish start, and later shared seventh place at the Amundi Evian Championship. Now, at 29, she lines up alongside multiple major winners such as Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu for the opening rounds of the AIG Women’s Open. The tournament, played on a course that Ko describes as the toughest she has ever encountered, has undergone subtle changes that make it feel almost unfamiliar despite her previous victories there. "This is the most challenging Women’s Open I’ve ever played," Ko admitted.

"When I was here in 2018 I remember navigating a lot of bunkers that are still in my memory. This year the course feels brand new – they’ve tweaked a few holes, and even on a perfect day the conditions are demanding. Winning on a layout like this would be incredibly rewarding and would make me feel especially proud." She added that a win would carry extra significance given Fox’s recent Open triumph. "With Foxy having won The Open, a victory for me would be very meaningful and would empower golf back home in New Zealand," Ko said.

Her comments underscore how intertwined the successes of New Zealand’s top golfers have become, each achievement lifting the profile of the sport across the nation. The AIG Women’s Open will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, with an expanded “Featured Groups” coverage slot debuting at 9 a.m.

on Thursday and Friday, followed by full live coverage from 1 p.m. The weekend rounds will be shown from midday, offering fans up to six additional hours of live golf compared with previous years. As the tournament unfolds, the question on everyone’s mind is who will claim the coveted Claret Jug.

Ko’s determination to emulate Ryan Fox’s composure and daring could prove pivotal, and her fans will be watching closely to see if she can translate that inspiration into another major championship. Whether she secures a second AIG Women’s Open title or simply adds another strong performance to her record, Ko’s pursuit of greatness continues to energize New Zealand golf and captivate the global audience.