Lydia Ko wins Women’s Open: final round video highlights

Lydia Ko claimed her third major title with a two-shot victory at the AIG Women’s Open, triumphing at the historic Old Course at St. Andrews.

Lydia Ko secured her third career major title at the AIG Women’s Open, held at the Old Course at St. Andrews, with a final-round 69, clinching a two-shot victory. Ko’s birdie on the iconic 18th hole at the “Home of Golf” lifted her to seven-under-par, ensuring her place in history alongside other legends who have triumphed at St. Andrews.

The victory was marked by a challenging final round, during which the lead exchanged hands multiple times before Ko emerged victorious in blustery, wet conditions.

Starting the day three shots behind 54-hole leader Jiyai Shin, Ko navigated the difficult weather and a tightly packed leaderboard that included world-class players such as Lilia Vu, Nelly Korda, and Shin.

Ko’s steady play and a critical birdie on the final hole secured her position at the top, as her competitors faltered down the stretch. Korda found the treacherous, infamous bunker on the Road Hole and couldn’t get up-and-down to save par. Vu had a chance to force a playoff but missed a key putt on the 18th, solidifying Ko’s two-stroke victory.

“It’s golf. I’m going to mess up and unfortunately, I messed up over the weekend twice in two penalising ways coming down the stretch,” Koda said. “That’s what kind of cost me the tournament.”

The win at St. Andrews added another highlight to Ko’s remarkable year, which also included gold at the Paris Olympics.

“Winning the gold medal in Paris was a dream. But this is almost too good to be true,” Ko said. “To be holding this ­trophy right now is very special. I’m not really sure if it has sunk in yet. I feel very honoured to be the champion. It was so tough out there this week.”