Lydia Ko knows the expectations that come with being the highest-ranked player in the field, but the LPGA Hall of Famer is taking a fresh perspective on this week’s Hana Financial Group Championship, which tees off on Thursday at Bears Best Cheongna Golf Club in Incheon.
Now in its seventh edition, the championship has established itself as one of Asia’s premier women’s golf events, drawing an elite field of domestic and international stars. Among the headliners are Ko and World No. 4 Minjee Lee from Australia.
Ko, who finished 10th at last year’s championship, returns to her country of birth eager to improve on that result. The New Zealander has enjoyed a solid 2024 season with four top-10 finishes in 13 LPGA starts, highlighted by her 23rd career victory at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore in February.
A former prodigy, Ko’s career has been defined by record-breaking milestones. She became the youngest professional winner at just 14, and by 17 had risen to World No. 1—the youngest in history to do so.
Ko admitted that playing in Korea once felt overwhelming. But has since learnt to embrace a new perspective.
“Honestly, when I was a rookie and younger, playing in Korea felt like a lot of pressure. Because I didn’t get to play here often, I always wanted to perform better and show only my best side in front of Korean fans—that was my competitive mindset back then. But as I’ve gotten older, my perspective has changed.
“Of course, fans still want to see me play well, but I’ve come to realise that many also come simply to see players like Minjee and me, since we don’t come here often. That shift in thinking has allowed me to play with more ease, more gratitude, and focus on my game,” said Ko.
Lee, the reigning KPMG Women’s PGA Champion and two-time Rolex ANNIKA Major Award recipient, is also relishing her return to Korea.
“I’m really happy to be playing this time. It’s actually my first time back since last December, so it feels great to see my relatives, friends, and acquaintances here. Hana Financial Group has generously supported me for 11 years, so this tournament is very meaningful to me. As an ambassador, I feel a great sense of pride.”
Ko and Lee will be joined by defending champion Dasom Ma, Yewon Lee, who has won three times on the KLPGA this season, current prize money leader Seunghui Ro, and Player of the Year points leader Hyunjo Yoo.
Together, they will vie for the Tour’s richest prize purse of KRW 1.5 billion, with KRW 270 million awarded to the champion in the high-stakes battle between global champions and Korea’s brightest stars.
