Lydia Ko Faces Setback After Missing Grand Slam Opportunity, Finds Strength in Support
A Tough Break at the U.S. Women’s Open
Lydia Ko recently faced a crushing disappointment at the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, where she missed a golden opportunity to achieve the rare career Grand Slam. She ended the tournament tied for 26th place with a score of +3, far from her usual top-tier performances. Beyond the title, she also lost out on the massive $2.4 million prize. This result was especially heartbreaking since Ko had been vocal earlier in the year about her ambition to complete the Grand Slam, describing it as a major focus for her in 2025.
The title went instead to rising star Maja Stark, a relative underdog, which only deepened the sting of defeat for Ko.
Grace Under Pressure
Despite the tough result, Ko kept her composure and expressed gratitude in a lighthearted Instagram post. Reflecting on the Wisconsin venue, known for its dairy, she wrote: “How can you top a @uswomensopen? A US Women’s Open at 🇺🇸’s Dairyland!! Loved the course. Loved the cheese. Thank you @usga ❤️” Her playful tone showed she was trying to keep her spirits high, even if the disappointment lingered. The post was warmly received, even earning a like from the official USGA account.
Support From the Golf Community
In the aftermath of the tournament, Ko received a heartfelt gesture of encouragement from retired LPGA player Jane Park. Park shared a sweet image on Instagram—an illustration of Ko sitting on a small bridge holding a trophy—created by Park’s young daughter, Grace. The caption read: “Sending love + birdies always,” a short but meaningful message filled with hope and affection.
Ko responded to the gesture with equal warmth, commenting, “I love it so much!! Thank you so much @thejanepark Unni.” The word “Unni,” which means “big sister” in Korean, reflected the deep bond and mutual respect between the two golfers, showcasing the solidarity within the LPGA family during tough times.
The Dream Isn’t Over
Although the U.S. Women’s Open didn’t unfold as she had hoped, Ko’s pursuit of a career Grand Slam continues. The next opportunity lies just ahead with the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship scheduled for June 19–22. Her overall performance this season has been strong, offering a solid foundation for her next challenge.
Ko reflected on how meaningful winning the U.S. Open would have been, calling it the one major she deeply wishes to add to her resume. “It may seem like a large pool of people that are past champions, but it’s actually quite small,” she said during the press conference at Erin Hills. This shows just how much the missed chance meant to her.
Looking Forward With Gratitude
In spite of the setback, Ko remains optimistic. She acknowledged both her triumphs and struggles with grace, saying, “I’m excited for what’s ahead. I think it’s because I’m just so grateful for what has happened, the lows and the highs.” With the PGA Championship around the corner, Ko is far from giving up. Instead, she seems ready to channel her experience, focus, and resilience into the next opportunity—where her Grand Slam hopes could still become reality.