The 20-time LPGA winner joined me for a scoop of pistachio raspberry ice cream from Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream in New York City ahead of her third (!) appearance at the Olympic games. As far as ice cream flavors go, Ko’s choice is probably the most unique in Scoop history. I stuck with cookie dough, but I have a lot of respect for her unconventional choice. Morgenstern’s is one of my very favorite spots in Manhattan, so make sure to check it out next time you’re in town.
Ko has a very calming, mature presence so I knew as soon as we sat down I was going to learn a lot from her.
No one knows Olympic golf better than Ko — she won silver in Rio in 2016, bronze in Tokyo in 2020 and the gold medal shortly after this interview in Paris. She explained how her biggest takeaways from those competitions weren’t necessarily on the golf course, but what she saw in the other athletes. Ko explained where her interest in psychology came from (hello, Criminal Minds!) and how her work with a mental coach has helped her improve both on and off the course.
We also discussed what it was like winning an LPGA event at 15 years old, dealing with nerves and what earning her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame would mean to her, a feat she accomplished by winning the gold medal in Paris. Finally, Ko shared a career high, low and what she’s learned, which included what the average person might not realize about Nelly Korda’s five consecutive wins.
Shout out to Lydia Ko for being so willing to open up. It’s always fun to learn about the best players in the game, especially when they’re as easy to talk to as Ko. So grab some ice cream and sit down for this Scoop episode featuring Lydia Ko — now live on GOLF’s YouTube channel. I know you’ll enjoy it.
