Lydia Ko has openly declared that she wants 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 secured a dramatic victory at The Open, a win that not only sparked national pride but also ignited a fresh wave of motivation for Ko as she prepares for the upcoming women's major. Fox's triumph came at Royal Birkdale, where he clinched the title by a single stroke after sinking a decisive birdie on the 18th hole.
His victory marked a historic moment: he became only the third male golfer from New Zealand to win a major championship. The last time a New Zealander lifted the Claret Jug was in 1963, when Bob Charles captured The Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes – the very same venue where Ko will be competing for her fourth major and a second AIG Women's Open crown. Speaking at her pre‑tournament press conference, 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’ve never been this nervous and 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 days ahead." Fox's path to the Open title was nothing short of spectacular. After being eight strokes behind at the halfway mark, he posted a third‑round 62 – a score that tied the record for the lowest round 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 one‑stroke victory that sent shockwaves through the golf world and left his compatriots, including Ko, buzzing with excitement.
Ko recounted the emotional roller‑coaster she experienced while watching the finish from the west coast of the United States. "I tried to turn on The Open on my TV, but it wouldn’t work, so I switched to my phone. I was in the middle of a workout and completely forgot what I was doing because my focus was glued to the screen. When I saw Fox’s final drive, I felt a rush of relief and pure exhilaration.
I ran into my house, slammed the door, and screamed. My husband rushed out asking what was happening, and ten seconds later I was in tears. It was a very emotional moment for me, and I can only imagine how he felt watching his fellow Kiwi win a major." The emotional impact of Fox's win appears to have given Ko an extra boost as she heads into the AIG Women's Open. Earlier this season, Ko 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‑15th after a slow start, and later posted a seventh‑place finish at the Amundi Evian Championship.
Those results demonstrate that she is back in contention and ready to contend for another title. Now, at 29, Ko will share the first two rounds of the AIG Women’s Open with other top competitors such as Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, both of whom have already added multiple majors to their records in 2026.
Ko acknowledges the difficulty of the course and the adjustments made to several holes, noting that the layout feels almost unfamiliar compared to her previous experiences. "I think this is the toughest Women’s Open I have ever played," she said. "Even on a perfect day the course plays very hard.
When you win on a venue of this calibre, it feels especially rewarding." Ko also highlighted the broader significance of a potential victory. "If I win, especially after Fox’s Open triumph, it would be incredibly meaningful for New Zealand golf. It would empower the sport back home and inspire the next generation of Kiwi golfers," she added. The tournament will be broadcast exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports, with an expanded coverage package that includes Featured Groups programming starting at 9 a.m.
on Thursday and Friday, followed by full live coverage from 1 p.m. The final rounds will be shown live from midday over the weekend, giving fans ample opportunity to follow Ko’s quest for a second AIG Women’s Open title. As the weeks unfold, the question on everyone’s mind will be whether Ko can translate the inspiration she drew from Fox’s historic win into her own performance on the links.
With her determination to embody that same fearless attitude, and with the support of an entire nation behind her, Ko appears poised to make a serious push for the trophy. Whether she ultimately lifts the Claret Jug for a second time remains to be seen, but her resolve to channel her "inner Foxy" suggests she will leave nothing on the course. Fans can watch the entire tournament live on Sky Sports Golf or stream the action without a contract, ensuring that Ko’s journey toward a potential third major will be followed by a global audience eager to see another New Zealand champion emerge.