Lydia Ko has openly expressed her desire 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 moved to tears after witnessing fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox capture a dramatic victory at The Open, an achievement that has sparked a fresh wave of motivation for Ko. Ryan Fox secured a thrilling one‑shot win at Royal Birkdale earlier this month, sealing the title with a birdie on the final hole. His triumph marked only the third time a New Zealand male golfer has claimed a major championship, joining the legendary Bob Charles, who lifted the Claret Jug in 1963 at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
That historic venue now hosts Ko as she chases her fourth major and a second AIG Women's Open crown. In the pre‑tournament press conference, the 29‑year‑old Ko said, "I would love to keep the dice rolling.
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 this excited watching someone else play. His back‑nine performance over the weekend was simply incredible. It would be amazing to tap into his fearlessness and let that energy guide me over the next few days." Fox's victory was nothing short of sensational.
After being eight strokes behind at the halfway mark, he posted a third‑round 62—matching the lowest score ever recorded in a men's major—to pull within two shots of the leader. He then birdied two of his final three holes on Sunday, sealing a one‑stroke win that sent shockwaves through the golfing world and ignited a surge of national pride across New Zealand.
Ko recounted the emotional rollercoaster she experienced while watching the final moments of Fox's triumph from the west coast of the United States. "I tried to work out, but everywhere I went I kept asking for The Open to be turned on," she laughed. "The TV wouldn't show it, so I switched to my phone. I completely forgot about my workout because my focus was entirely on the tournament.
I took an Uber home, and as soon as I arrived, I saw Fox's drive on the 18th hole. I felt a rush of relief and excitement, and I screamed as soon as I closed the door. My husband ran out asking what was happening, and ten seconds later I was crying. It was an overwhelming, emotional moment, and I can only imagine how he felt watching me.
Ko's recent major record has been a mixed bag. She missed the cut in the first two women's majors of the season, but she rebounded with a solid performance at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, where she finished tied for 15th after a slow start. She then posted a respectable seventh‑place finish at the Amundi Evian Championship. These results demonstrate her resilience and ability to recover quickly from setbacks.
At the AIG Women's Open, Ko will share the first two rounds with fellow New Zealanders Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu—both of whom have already secured multiple major titles in 2026. The trio will face a demanding course that Ko describes as the toughest Women's Open she has ever played.
"When I competed in 2018, I remember navigating a lot of bunkers that are still vivid in my memory," she explained. "This year, the course feels almost brand new. They have made subtle adjustments to several holes, but overall it remains a very challenging layout. Even on a perfect day, it plays tough.
Winning on a course of this calibre would make me feel an extraordinary sense of pride." Ko believes that a victory would carry significance beyond her personal achievements. "With Foxy having won The Open, a win for me would be incredibly meaningful and empowering for golf in New Zealand," she said. "It would show that our country can produce champions across both the men's and women's tours, inspiring the next generation of Kiwi golfers." The AIG Women's Open will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
This year, Sky Sports introduces Featured Groups coverage, offering six additional hours of live action compared with previous editions. The new format begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m.
The final rounds will be shown live from midday over the weekend, giving fans ample opportunity to follow the drama as it unfolds. For viewers who prefer streaming, Sky Sports offers a contract‑free option to watch the tournament live, ensuring that fans worldwide can tune in to see whether Ko can indeed channel the fearless spirit of Ryan Fox and claim another major title for New Zealand.
In summary, Lydia Ko's determination to emulate the boldness displayed by Ryan Fox at Royal Birkdale adds an intriguing narrative to this year's AIG Women's Open. Her recent performances, combined with the challenging nature of the course and the heightened media coverage, set the stage for a compelling showdown. Whether she captures her second Women's Open crown or simply adds another strong finish to her record, Ko's quest reflects both personal ambition and a broader hope to elevate New Zealand golf on the global stage.