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 moved to tears after watching compatriot Ryan Fox clinch a dramatic victory at The Open, a moment that has inspired her to channel his fearless approach over the coming days of competition. Fox's win was nothing short of spectacular.

On a crisp afternoon at Royal Birkdale, he produced a clutch birdie on the final hole to secure a one‑stroke margin, becoming only the third male golfer from New Zealand to capture a major title. His triumph marked the first New Zealand success at The Open since Bob Charles lifted the Claret Jug in 1963 at Royal Lytham & St Annes – the very venue where Ko will now vie for her fourth major and a second AIG Women's Open crown. "I would love to keep the dice rolling," Ko said in a 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 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 journey to the title was a story of resilience. After being eight strokes behind at the halfway mark, he posted a third‑round 62 – a score that tied 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 the victory in dramatic fashion.

Ko, who was watching the climax from the west coast of the United States, recounted how the moment impacted her daily routine. "I went to work out and kept asking the TV to turn on The Open," she laughed. "It wouldn't load, 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 walked in, I saw the final‑hole drive.

I was relieved and exhilarated at the same time – I was super‑pumped. I closed the door, screamed, and my husband rushed in 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 surge has given Ko a fresh perspective as she prepares for the AIG Women's Open.

After missing the cut in the first two women’s majors of the year, she rebounded with a tied‑15th finish at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and a shared seventh place at the Amundi Evian Championship. Now, at 29, she will tee off alongside fellow major winners Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, both of whom have already added multiple titles to their records in 2026.

The course at the AIG Women's Open presents a formidable challenge. Ko described it as the toughest edition she has ever played. "When I was at the 2018 Open, I remember spending a lot of time in the bunkers – they’re still in my memory bank.

This year, the layout feels almost brand new. They’ve tweaked a few holes, but overall it’s a hard‑playing course. Even on a perfect day, the conditions make it play tough.

Winning on a venue like this would make me feel incredibly proud." She added that a victory would carry significance beyond personal achievement. "With Foxy having won The Open, a win for me would be incredibly meaningful and empowering for golf back in New Zealand.

It would show that we can produce champions across both the men’s and women’s games," Ko explained. The tournament will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, featuring a new "Featured Groups" format that offers additional live coverage.

The first two days will begin at 9 a.m. on Sky Sports Golf, with full coverage kicking off at 1 p.m. and extended live action for rounds three and four slated for midday over the weekend.

Fans can also stream the event without a contract through Sky Sports' online platform. As the AIG Women's Open unfolds, all eyes will be on Ko to see whether she can indeed channel the same boldness that propelled Ryan Fox to his historic victory.

Her determination, combined with the inspiration drawn from her compatriot’s triumph, sets the stage for a compelling narrative of ambition, national pride, and the pursuit of greatness on one of golf’s most demanding stages.