On August 10, 2024, Lydia Ko from New Zealand secured her spot in golfing history by winning the gold medal at the Women’s Golf event held at Le Golf National in Paris. This victory marked a momentous milestone for Ko, who at 27 now boasts a complete set of Olympic medals, having previously won silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020.
Ko’s impressive final score of 10-under for the week, capped by a 1-under 71 in the final round, demonstrated her exceptional skills and resilience. Despite a tense moment when she double-bogeyed the par-4 13th hole, Ko recovered with four straight pars and a decisive birdie on the 18th, cementing her two-shot victory over the competition. This victory not only awarded her the top podium spot but also secured her entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame, underscoring the significance of her win in the broader context of her career.
The competition showcased remarkable performances from several golfers, but it was Germany’s Esther Henseleit who clinched the silver medal. Finishing at 8-under, Henseleit surged up the leaderboard with a stunning final round of 6-under 66, moving up 12 spots to claim second place. Her consistent improvement throughout the tournament, which included opening rounds of 72-73 and a 3-under 69 on the penultimate day, exemplified her tenacity and skill.
Xiyu Lin from China captured the bronze medal with a final score of 7-under. Lin’s performance was highlighted by her ability to birdie three of the last four holes, securing her place on the podium. Her final round of 3-under 69 demonstrated her determination and poise under pressure.
The tournament also saw notable efforts from other competitors. Defending champion Nelly Korda from the USA faced a challenging final round, finishing with a 3-over 75, placing her tied for 22nd. Rose Zhang, also from the USA, played in the final group alongside Ko but ended tied for 8th after a 74 on the last day.
Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux, who had earlier set a new nine-hole Olympic record with a 28 on the front nine in the second round, experienced a significant decline in her final round, finishing with a 7-over 79 and tied for 18th. Her early leadership and record-setting performance were highlights of the tournament.
Albane Valenzuela, also from Switzerland, delivered the round of the day with a remarkable 7-under 65, moving up 20 spots to finish tied for 13th. Charley Hull from the UK demonstrated resilience, recovering from an opening round of 81 with final rounds of 71, 68, and 69 to finish tied for 27th at 1-over overall. Her compatriot, Georgia Hall, displayed steady but unremarkable play with rounds of 74, 71, 74, and 74, ending tied for 36th at 5-over.
Lydia Ko’s gold medal victory at Le Golf National not only solidifies her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats but also heralds a new chapter in her illustrious career. With this win, she continues to inspire future generations of golfers with her dedication, skill, and unyielding spirit.
As the women’s golf landscape evolves, the remarkable performances witnessed at the Paris 2024 Olympics will undoubtedly influence future tournaments and shape the careers of rising stars. Looking ahead, fans and players alike will eagerly anticipate how these athletes will build on their Olympic achievements in upcoming events, pushing the boundaries of the sport even further.
