Lydia Ko proved her credentials as world No.1 by emerging victorious at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International Presented by Public Investment Fund.
Ko made it career win number 26 and a second Aramco Saudi Ladies International, thanks to a steady four-under final round of 68 which gave her a 21-under total of 267, one better than Aditi Ashok.
“I’m two for two on this golf course, so clearly something is going for me,” said Ko.
“This is a course where, in the last few days when I played in 2021, a few players went from the back that would shoot low scores, so I just wanted to focus on my game.
“I don’t think I was setting myself up for a lot of birdie opportunities on the front nine, but I knew that every hole could be a birdie opportunity, so it was that kind of mindset and I wanted to be aggressive. In the end, it’s definitely nice to get the win this week.”
The tournament was Ko’s first of the season, making the victory even more impressive.
“I’m playing with the world’s best. The field this week was really good, so I knew it was going to be a challenge. The first one of the year, it’s really hard because you don’t have anything to base yourself off.
“You don’t know if you’re going to play well or bad. But the start definitely helped, and I think I stayed really patient and I was not as nervous as I thought I would be, which is definitely good.”
Starting one shot off Lilia Vu in the final group alongside Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen, Ko immediately put the pressure on with a birdie on her opening hole. Vu fought back with a birdie of her own on two, which Ko surprisingly bogeyed, but birdies on six, 10, 13 and 17 were enough for the two-time Major winner, with Vu carding birdies on 9 and 11 but dropping vital shots on 10 and 18 when it mattered.
Dubai resident Chiara Noja, who secured her Ladies European Tour playing privileges last year, finished in a share of 12th on 12 under par.
T12th this week! What an experience! The strongest field I’ve ever played in, and making history with equal prize money for the women and men. Feeling incredibly blessed, and love seeing this growth of the women’s game. Thank you @LETgolf @Golf_Saudi @AramcoLadiesInt pic.twitter.com/ORAq6bZ5wP
— Chiara Noja (@thechiaranoja) February 19, 2023
