Lydia Ko has openly expressed her desire to "tap into her inner Foxy" and use that energy to chase another major victory for New Zealand at the AIG Women's Open. The inspiration for her renewed determination came after she watched fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox clinch a dramatic one‑shot win at The Open earlier this month. Fox’s triumph, secured with a birdie on the final hole at Royal Birkdale, marked only the third time a New Zealander has captured a men’s major title, and it resonated deeply with Ko, who was moved to tears by the achievement.

Fox’s victory was particularly significant because it ended a 60‑year drought for New Zealand at The Open. The last Kiwi to lift the Claret Jug was Bob Charles, who won in 1963 at Royal Lytham & St Annes – the very same venue where Ko will now contend for her fourth major championship and a second AIG Women’s Open crown.

Ko, 29, reflected on the emotional impact of Fox’s win during her pre‑tournament press conference. "I would love to keep the dice rolling," she said, adding, "I’m super‑excited for Foxy [Ryan Fox] and for all of New Zealand golf after his win at Royal Birkdale." Ko admitted that watching Fox’s performance was both nerve‑wracking and exhilarating. "I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous and this excited while watching someone else play," she explained. "His back‑nine charge and the way he handled the pressure over the weekend were simply incredible.

It would be amazing to channel that same fearlessness in the coming days." Fox’s own story was a classic comeback narrative. He started the tournament eight strokes behind the halfway leader but surged back with a historic third‑round 62, tying the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s major. Heading into the final day he was just two shots off the lead, and he finished the tournament by birdieing two of his last three holes, sealing the victory. Ko’s reaction to the win was immediate and heartfelt.

While training on the West Coast of the United States, she tried to follow the live broadcast, but technical issues forced her to watch on her phone. "I went to work out and everywhere I went I was like, ‘please turn on The Open,’" she recalled. "It didn’t work on the TV, so I watched on my cell phone.

I can’t remember my workout at all because my whole focus was on the tournament. I took an Uber home, and as soon as I got back, Fox was on the 18th hole. When I saw that drive, I felt a wave of relief and excitement.

I closed the door, screamed, and my husband ran out asking what was happening. Ten seconds later I was crying.

It was an emotional moment for me, and I can only imagine how he felt." Ko’s own recent major performances have been a mix of disappointment and promise. She missed the cut in the first two women’s majors of the season, but she rebounded at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, climbing from a slow start to finish tied‑15th.

She followed that with a solid seventh‑place finish at the Amundi Evian Championship. Now, at the AIG Women’s Open, she will share the first two rounds with multiple major winners such as Nelly Korda and Haeran Ryu, both of whom have added to their major tally in 2026.

Ko is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead, especially on a course that feels both familiar and newly demanding. Speaking about the venue, Ko said, "I think winning here would be very special.

This feels like the toughest Women’s Open I’ve ever played. When I was at the 2018 Open, I remember spending a lot of time in the bunkers that are now etched in my memory. This year, the course feels almost brand new.

They’ve made some adjustments to a few holes, but it remains a hard test. Even on a perfect day, the conditions are demanding. Winning on a layout of this calibre would make me feel especially proud." She also emphasized the broader significance of a potential victory.

"With Foxy having won The Open, a win for me would be incredibly meaningful and empowering for golf in New Zealand," Ko asserted. Her words underline the growing momentum of New Zealand golf on the world stage, as both male and female players achieve historic milestones. The broadcast landscape for the tournament has also evolved.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to the AIG Women’s Open, offering an expanded package that includes Featured Groups coverage for the first time. This new format adds six additional hours of live action, with Featured Groups beginning at 9 a.m.

on Thursday and Friday on Sky Sports Golf, followed by full coverage at 1 p.m. The third and fourth rounds will be streamed live from midday over the weekend. Fans worldwide can watch the competition live on Sky Sports Golf or stream via the Sky Sports platform without a long‑term contract.

Ko’s determination to channel Ryan Fox’s fearless approach reflects a broader narrative of resilience and national pride. Both athletes have demonstrated that New Zealand golfers can compete and triumph at the highest levels, inspiring a new generation of players back home. As Ko steps onto the links at the AIG Women’s Open, she carries not only her own ambitions but also the hopes of a nation eager to celebrate another historic golf achievement.