Impressive two-shot victory for New Zealander
Lydia Ko from New Zealand’s dream to win an Olympic Gold Medal at Le Golf National near Paris has come true. The 27-year old who lives in Orlando, Florida, USA stole the show on Saturday during the final round of the Women’s Individual Strokeplay Championship when she shot a closing round of 71 to seize the medal two shots clear of Germany’s Esther Henseleit on a tally of 10-under par.
History book finish for Ko
Lydia Ko’s performance at the Olympics Paris has carried her into the history books. She needed to two-putt the final hole at Le Golf National in order to win Gold. Ko went one better and holed the putt for birdie and so snatch the Olympic Gold Medal by a terrific two shots. A delightfully proud Lydia Ko has now won a medal in each of the three last Olympics: Silver Medal in Rio (2016) and a Bronze Medal in Tokyo (2021).
The player from New Zealand had a steady start to the championship carding a level-par 72 on day one which she followed with rounds of 5-under par 67 and 4-under par 68 to lift herself into a share of the lead with Switzerland’s Morgane Métraux on 9-under par. Miyu Yamashata (Japan) and Rose Zhang (USA) were nestled-in two strokes behind them on 7-under par. In fact, there were nine players within five shots of the leaders. The final day of golf at Le Golf National was set to be very exciting.
Germany’s Esther Henseleit had a wonderful final round when she carded a brilliant 6-under par 66 on the final day to secure the Silver Medal on 8-under par 280. China’s Janet Xiyu Lin was hot on her tails with a 7-under par 281 which earned her the Bronze Medal.
Day one leader French golfer Celine Boutier finished in a tie for 18th on 2-over par together with Morgane Métraux (Switzerland) and two others. Métraux alas finished the Olympics with a disappointing 79 on the final day.
Happily Lydia Ko is absolutely thrilled with her win in Paris and will celebrate her historical Olympic victories for many years to come.
A Gold Olympic Medal for Ko means that New Zealand finally finished the Olympics Paris 2024 in 11th spot with a total of 20 medals (10 Gold, 7 Silver and 3 Bronze). America has accumulated an impressive collection of 126 medals (40 Gold, 44 Silver and 42 Bronze) to become the number one in this year’s Olympic ranking.
Many, many congratulations to you Lydia Ko. You are the Olympic Women’s Golf Champion for 2024 and we are absolutely delighted for you and New Zealand!
Wendy Hoad
Editor
WOMEN’S GOLF AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024:
Gold Medal: Lydia Ko (New Zealand) 72,67,68,71 (278) 10-under
Silver Medal: Esther Henseleit (Germany) 72,73,69,66 (280) 8-under
Bronze Medal: Janet Xiyu Lin (China) 71,70,71,69 (281) 7-under
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, moments before holing a birdie putt on the final hole for her 2024 Olympic victory near Paris.