Lydia Ko has openly declared that she intends to "tap into 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 clinched a dramatic one‑stroke victory at The Open earlier this month, a win that has ignited fresh enthusiasm across the country's golfing community. Fox's triumph came at Royal Birkdale, where a clutch birdie on the final hole secured his place as only the third New Zealand man to ever capture a men's major title.
The victory was especially poignant because 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 – the very same venue where Ko will be competing for a fourth major crown and a second AIG Women's Open trophy. During her pre‑tournament press conference, Ko expressed her excitement: "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 as nervous and as thrilled watching someone else play. His back‑nine performance over the weekend was simply incredible. It would be amazing to channel my inner Foxy and bring that same fearlessness to my own game in the coming days." Fox's path to victory was a story of resilience.
After being eight strokes behind at the halfway mark, he posted a third‑round 62 – matching the low‑round record for a men's major – and emerged just two shots off the lead heading into the final day. He then birdied two of his last three holes, sealing the championship in dramatic fashion. Ko, who was watching the dramatic finish from the west coast of the United States, recounted how the moment affected her.
"I tried to work out, but everywhere I went I kept asking, 'please turn on The Open.' The TV wouldn't pick it up, so I watched on my phone. I completely forgot my workout because my focus was entirely on the finish. I took an Uber home, and as soon as I arrived the 18th hole was still in play. When I saw that decisive drive, I felt a surge of relief and excitement.
I closed the door, screamed, and my husband ran in asking what was happening. Ten seconds later I was crying – it was an emotional rollercoaster, and I can only imagine how Ryan felt." The emotional high that Ko experienced after Fox's win appears to have given her a fresh source of motivation. Earlier in the season she missed the cut at the first two women's majors, but she rebounded with a solid performance at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, finishing tied for 15th after a slow start, and later shared seventh place at the Amundi Evian Championship.
Now, at 29, Ko will line up alongside multiple major winners such as Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu during the opening rounds of the AIG Women's Open. She is fully aware of the challenges the course presents and is determined to seize the opportunity to claim a second title in three years. "Winning would be incredibly special," Ko said when asked about her aspirations.
"This feels like the toughest Women's Open I've ever played. When I think back to 2018, I remember getting stuck in a lot of bunkers that are still vivid in my memory. This year the course feels almost brand new – they've tweaked a few holes, but overall it's a demanding layout. Even on a perfect day the course plays hard.
To win on a venue of this calibre would fill me with a deep sense of pride." She added that Fox's recent Open victory adds another layer of significance to her own quest. "With Foxy having won The Open, a victory for me would be profoundly meaningful and would empower golf throughout New Zealand," Ko explained, underscoring how the successes of both players could inspire a new generation of Kiwi golfers.
The tournament itself is being broadcast exclusively by Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This year, Sky Sports introduced a "Featured Groups" segment, offering viewers an additional six hours of live coverage compared with previous editions.
The featured coverage kicks off at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, with full coverage beginning at 1 p.m. The final two rounds will be shown live from midday over the weekend, giving fans ample opportunity to follow the drama as it unfolds. For those wondering who will ultimately lift the AIG Women's Open trophy, the answer will emerge over the course of the week as the world's best female golfers battle it out on a demanding links layout.
Viewers can watch the action live on Sky Sports Golf, or stream the tournament through Sky Sports' contract‑free service, which also provides access to a broader range of golf and sporting events. Ko's determination to channel the fearless spirit demonstrated by Ryan Fox, combined with her own experience and skill, sets the stage for a compelling narrative at this year's championship. Whether she captures the title or not, her pursuit of excellence continues to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike, reinforcing New Zealand's growing reputation as a hotbed for world‑class golf talent.