Cincinnati, Ohio — On a cool Sunday afternoon at the Kenwood Country Club, Lydia Ko, the golfing sensation from New Zealand, produced a flawless display of precision and determination to capture her third LPGA title of the year at the Queen City Championship. Ko’s incredible final-round score of 63 (-9) left her five shots clear of the field, securing yet another victory in what is quickly becoming one of the best seasons of her illustrious career. With a total score of 265 (-23) for the tournament, Ko demonstrated why she remains one of the most formidable competitors on the LPGA Tour.
This victory marks Ko’s 20th career LPGA title, an impressive milestone for the 27-year-old golfer. The win also reinforces her place at the top of the women’s game, as she continues to climb the world rankings while adding further accolades to her already glittering résumé. The Queen City Championship triumph not only showcases Ko’s mastery of her craft but also signals that she is, once again, hitting her peak at the right time, with several major tournaments still on the horizon this year.
A Dominant Final Round
Lydia Ko entered the final round of the Queen City Championship trailing by two shots, with several other top contenders, including American star Nelly Korda and the ever-consistent South Korean Jin Young Ko, in the mix. The leaderboard was tight, and the competition fierce, but Ko’s laser-like focus and exceptional shot-making separated her from the pack in what would turn into a memorable final round.
From the very first hole, it was evident that Ko was locked in. She birdied the opening par-4 after hitting a wedge to within six feet of the pin. This was just the beginning of a torrid front nine, where Ko would go on to card five birdies, including three consecutive birdies on holes 6, 7, and 8. Every aspect of her game was clicking — her driving was precise, her iron play sharp, and her putting as clinical as ever.
By the time she reached the turn, Ko had surged to the top of the leaderboard, erasing the two-shot deficit and building a lead of her own. The pressure that might have overwhelmed others in such a high-stakes environment seemed to fuel her. She added further birdies on the par-4 12th and the par-5 14th, the latter of which saw her reach the green in two shots and two-putt for an easy birdie.
Her final flourish came on the 18th hole, where Ko holed a lengthy 20-foot putt for her ninth birdie of the day. The gallery erupted in applause, recognizing the brilliance they had just witnessed. Ko’s final-round 63 was a masterclass in consistency and aggression, with not a single bogey to blemish her scorecard. It was the lowest round of the week and the perfect way to cap off a tournament where she seemed to improve with each passing day.
The Road to Victory
Ko’s journey to victory in the Queen City Championship didn’t begin with Sunday’s remarkable 63; it was the culmination of four days of patient, strategic, and high-level golf. Her opening round of 68 (-4) on Thursday was solid if unspectacular, leaving her a few shots off the pace set by early leaders. But Ko has long been known for her ability to steadily build momentum as tournaments progress, and that was exactly what she did in Cincinnati.
Friday saw Ko begin her climb up the leaderboard with a bogey-free round of 66 (-6). While others around her faltered under the pressure of Kenwood’s tricky greens and thick rough, Ko remained unflappable, her steady hand guiding her to an impressive round that saw her finish the day tied for fourth place.
Saturday was when Ko truly asserted herself. Firing a 68 (-4), she put herself in prime position heading into Sunday’s final round. Though she trailed the 54-hole leader by two strokes, Ko had been in such positions before, and her calm demeanor suggested that she was far from worried. A consistent mix of birdies and pars allowed her to stay within striking distance, knowing that a special performance on Sunday could be all she needed to claim victory.
And a special performance is exactly what she delivered. As she has done so many times in her career, Ko saved her best for last, storming to the top of the leaderboard when it mattered most. By the time she had completed her bogey-free final round, Ko had turned a two-shot deficit into a commanding five-shot victory — her third LPGA win of the year.
A Stellar 2024 Season
The Queen City Championship victory adds another chapter to what has already been a spectacular 2024 season for Lydia Ko. With three wins on the LPGA Tour, she is enjoying one of her most successful years since turning professional a decade ago. Ko’s season highlights also include a thrilling playoff victory at the Gainbridge LPGA in February, where she outlasted American Danielle Kang in a dramatic finish, and her dominant win at the Meijer LPGA Classic in June, where she cruised to a four-shot victory.
The consistency with which Ko has performed throughout the season has been particularly impressive. In 18 starts this year, she has finished in the top 10 on 11 occasions, a testament to her ability to contend week in and week out. With major championships like the Women’s PGA Championship and the AIG Women’s Open still to come, Ko is positioning herself as one of the favorites for these prestigious titles.
It has been a resurgence of sorts for Ko, who, despite her early success in the game, experienced a dip in form in recent years. After bursting onto the scene as a teenage prodigy — becoming the youngest player, male or female, to reach No. 1 in the world at age 17 — Ko endured a challenging period where victories were few and far between. However, her determination, hard work, and mental resilience have paid off, and she now looks to be at the peak of her powers once again.
Speaking after her Queen City Championship victory, Ko reflected on her journey back to the top of the game.
“Golf is a sport where you go through ups and downs, and I’ve definitely had my share of challenges,” Ko said. “But I’ve worked hard, trusted the process, and surrounded myself with a great team. I feel like I’m playing with a lot of confidence right now, and I’m just enjoying being out there and competing. To win three times this year is very special, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Poised for Future Success
As Ko basks in the glory of her latest victory, the question now becomes: what’s next for the New Zealander? With her third win of the year, Ko has put herself in contention for several end-of-season honors, including the prestigious Rolex Player of the Year award and the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average. She is also a leading contender for the CME Group Tour Championship, the season-ending event that boasts the largest prize purse in women’s golf.
But beyond the accolades and the titles, Ko’s resurgence is about something more significant — her love for the game. After years of dealing with the pressures of being a child prodigy, Ko has rediscovered the joy of golf, and it shows in the way she carries herself on the course. She plays with a relaxed yet focused demeanor, smiling and interacting with fans between shots, but when it’s time to perform, she is laser-focused on the task at hand.
Her peers have taken notice as well. Nelly Korda, who finished tied for fourth at the Queen City Championship, praised Ko’s consistency and mental toughness after the tournament.
“Lydia is an incredible player, and what she’s doing this year is amazing,” Korda said. “She’s so steady, and even when things aren’t going her way, she just finds a way to keep herself in it. It’s really inspiring to watch.”
The admiration is mutual, as Ko also spoke highly of her fellow competitors, highlighting the depth of talent on the LPGA Tour.
“I think the competition on the LPGA Tour is as strong as it’s ever been,” Ko said. “There are so many great players, and every week you know you’re going to be pushed to your limits. It’s great for women’s golf, and it makes victories like this one even more meaningful.”
Kenwood Country Club: A Fitting Stage
The Queen City Championship, played at the historic Kenwood Country Club in Cincinnati, provided a fitting stage for Ko’s triumph. The course, renowned for its tree-lined fairways and undulating greens, presented a stern test for the world’s best players. Ko’s ability to navigate the course’s challenges with precision and poise was key to her victory, as she avoided the costly mistakes that tripped up many of her competitors.
Ko’s final score of 265 (-23) set a new tournament record, eclipsing the previous mark by two strokes. Her performance on the greens was particularly noteworthy, as she led the field in putts per round and scrambling percentage, showcasing her short-game prowess.
The tournament itself was a resounding success, with large crowds turning out to watch the action unfold. The Queen City Championship, in only its second year on the LPGA Tour calendar, has quickly established itself as one of the premier events of the season, attracting a world-class field and offering a substantial prize purse.
For Ko, the Kenwood Country Club will now hold a special place in her heart as the site of her 20th career LPGA victory — a milestone that cements her status as one of the all-time greats in women’s golf.
Looking Ahead
With her third victory of the year in the books, Lydia Ko now turns her attention to the remaining tournaments on the LPGA schedule. While the season is far from over, Ko’s recent form suggests that more wins could be on the horizon. The confidence she exudes, combined with her technical mastery, makes her a formidable force as the LPGA Tour heads into the final stretch of 2024.
Major championships remain a top priority for Ko, who has already won two majors in her career but is hungry for more. The Women’s PGA Championship and the AIG Women’s Open are both circled on her calendar, and with the way she’s playing, few would bet against her adding another major title to her name.
As the sun set on the Queen City Championship, Lydia Ko stood on the 18th green, holding the trophy high above her head. It was a moment of triumph, not just for the tournament, but for a player who has rediscovered her best self. In the world of women’s golf, Lydia Ko is once again the name to beat — and she’s not done yet.
