It looks all go for Ko

By Neville Idour

After last month’s column “A Backward Step in The Right Direction”, I felt a follow-up on Lydia Ko’s progress with coach Sean Foley would be relevant. 

Indications are more than positive despite her performances of contrast in the Marathon Classic in the United States, the Scottish Open and the British Open.

On the plus side she was in a position to win or challenge for a win in all three events after three rounds. It is difficult to remember the last time that happened, so it was almost like new territory. Of course that brings its own challenges.

At the other end of the spectrum she was over par in the final round each time. So it may take a little longer for those vital final round juices to flow again for the 18 holes. 

The final nine in the Marathon Classic was an aberration and it was only a couple of questionable options that cost her victory. 

On the 18th hole she chose a running chip for her third to the par five which was fraught with danger on the fast and slightly sloping green. 

So it proved. Ironically her caddie Jason Hamilton, who was with her for most of her past success, was heard to suggest she play a high shot to make sure she stayed on the green and ensure a par.

In the Scottish Open she faded with a score 74 in the last round to finish 12th but she was still just four shots from winner Stacy Lewis who had been encouraging to Ko prior to the event. After an outstanding third round 67 she could not repeat that precision in the final round.

So to the British Women’s Open. Ko was again well placed after three solid rounds, just three shots behind second place. After seven holes in the final round she was one under for the tournament and well placed. However once again the final nine holes proved to be her undoing where she had four consecutive bogeys from holes 10-13.

So with all this information why can we feel confident that Lydia may not have to wait long to find winning form?

Simply because there are so many aspects of her game that are working well. It was never a case of going back to find her old swing, it was a case of going back to find the feel and rhythm that were a hallmark of her game. 

Those attributes in turn produced often pinpoint accuracy and length. It is hard not to agree with the commentators who have been saying “She looks like the Lydia of old”. Her swing looks so natural and free flowing.

The various aspects of her game that stand out are, firstly, she is obviously enjoying her golf and her infectious smile and attitude are evident at all times. 

After years of looking for more length off the tee she has certainly found that with the aid of seven pounds of extra muscle and physical maturity. At the Marathon Classic her drives averaged 267 yards, an increase of more than 20 yards on her previous driving distance. 

Her longest drive on the 16th hole went 306 yards and there were several others in the 280-290 yard range. 

The other very noticeable aspect is that in her pre-shot routine, she is now much quicker to play her shot and has lost the look of someone focusing too much on technique. 

She now simply addresses the ball and without undue hesitation plays the ball and the results are obvious. Her maturity when interviewed is also evident. She looks to have taken ownership of her game.

We can only look with great optimism to the future. It is such a joy to see her in contention and enjoying her golf again.