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 pride and emotion for Ko.

Fox secured a dramatic one‑shot triumph at Royal Birkdale earlier this month, sealing his victory with a clutch birdie on the final hole. In doing so, he became only the third male golfer from New Zealand to capture a major title, joining the ranks of legends such as Sir Bob Charles, who last lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1963. That same historic venue will host Ko as she chases a fourth major overall and a second AIG Women's Open crown.

"I would love to keep the dice rolling," Ko said during her pre‑tournament press conference, her excitement palpable. "I'm super‑excited for Foxy [Ryan Fox] and for all of New Zealand golf after his win at Royal Birkdale.

I don't think I've ever been this nervous and thrilled watching someone else compete. His back‑nine performance over the weekend was simply incredible.

It would be amazing to tap into his fearlessness and let that energy drive me over the next few days." Fox's path to victory was nothing short of remarkable. After being eight strokes behind the halfway leader, he posted a third‑round 62, equalling the lowest round ever recorded in a men's major, and positioned himself just two shots off the lead heading into the final day. He then birdied two of his last three holes, sealing a dramatic win that resonated across the golfing world.

Ko, who was watching the climax from the west coast of the United States, recounted how the excitement overtook her routine. "I tried to work out, but everywhere I went I kept asking, 'please turn on The Open.' The TV wouldn't cooperate, so I switched to my phone.

I completely forgot my workout because my focus was glued to the screen. I took an Uber home, and as soon as I walked through the door I heard the final drive. I was relieved and pumped at the same time. I shut the door, screamed, and my husband ran out asking what was happening.

Ten seconds later I was crying. It was an emotional roller‑coaster, and I can only imagine how Ryan felt." The emotional response highlights how deeply Fox's win resonated with Ko, inspiring her to adopt a similar mindset of confidence and aggression. She hopes that channeling that same fearless approach will give her an edge on the demanding links at the AIG Women's Open, a course she describes as the toughest she has ever faced. "It feels like a brand‑new course," she noted, acknowledging recent alterations to several holes that have increased the difficulty even on a perfect day.

Ko's recent form has been a mixture of highs and lows. She missed the cut in the first two women's majors of the season, but rebounded with a solid performance at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, finishing tied for 15th after a slow start. She then posted a seventh‑place finish at the Amundi Evian Championship, showing she can compete with the very best. Now, at the AIG Women's Open, Ko will line up alongside other top competitors such as Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, both multiple major winners in 2026.

The first two rounds will test her ability to navigate the firm, fast‑running fairways and deep bunkers that have become a hallmark of the course. Ko believes that a victory here would be especially meaningful given the recent New Zealand success at The Open. "Winning would be very special," she said. "When I played in 2018 I remember getting stuck in a lot of bunkers that are still in my memory.

This year the course feels even tougher. Even on a perfect day it's playing hard, so winning on a layout like this would make me feel extra proud.

With Foxy's Open win, a victory for me would be incredibly empowering for golf back home in New Zealand." The tournament is being broadcast exclusively by Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, with an expanded "Featured Groups" format that offers six additional hours of live coverage compared with previous years. The new schedule begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full coverage kicking off at 1 p.m., and live action from rounds three and four commencing at midday over the weekend.

Fans can also stream the event through Sky Sports' subscription‑free service. As the competition unfolds, the question on everyone's mind is who will claim the coveted AIG Women's Open trophy.

Ko's determination to embody the fearless spirit of her compatriot, combined with her own proven ability to rise to the occasion, makes her a compelling contender. Whether she captures a second title or simply adds another strong performance to her record, her pursuit of greatness continues to inspire golf enthusiasts worldwide.