While her fellow LPGA stars celebrated countless team victories over the years, Lydia Ko watched from the sidelines. The New Zealand star, despite her elite status and major victories, remained isolated from the camaraderie of team competition that many of her peers regularly enjoyed.

Team events in women’s professional golf created an invisible barrier. Whether it was the Solheim Cup between Europe and USA or other team formats, geographic limitations left many top players unable to participate. This mainly affected Ko, who carried New Zealand’s flag with distinction but lacked opportunities for team play at the highest level.

“I was pretty annoyed,” Ko revealed during the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions press conference. “Especially being a person that loves being in that team environment.” Her connection to team golf runs deep, dating back to her amateur days. “I loved that as an amateur playing on the National Team or provincial events. That’s why I love even the Grant Thornton and Dow. Even though it’s a two-person team, still having a partner is such a cool feeling.”

However, after years of watching from the outside, a significant change promises to reshape Ko’s professional journey.

Breaking new ground

The LPGA’s recent announcement brings a welcome change. The 2025 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown will introduce a World Team, combining top players from unrepresented regions including Lydia. This breakthrough opens a new door for Ko, who has long craved more team competition opportunities.

The depth of Ko’s frustration becomes clear in her candid reflection. “I think internally I may have criticized the tournaments because I just wanted to play so much,” she admitted. “It wasn’t about the event, but it was like my own frustration.” The isolation from team events affected her despite remarkable individual success, including Olympic medals and major championships.

“When I heard the announcement that there was going to be a world team I was super excited,” Ko shared. Her enthusiasm shows in her schedule planning. “When the schedule comes out I always highlight the ones I’m planning to play. That was off my list because I had been me, myself, and I the past few years on Tour.” The October event at New Korea Country Club now represents more than just another tournament—it’s an opportunity to fill a longstanding void in her career.

As Ko approaches this historic opportunity, her recent achievements suggest she’s ready to make a significant impact.

Championship potential ahead

Ko enters 2025 with remarkable momentum. Fresh off an Olympic gold medal and multiple victories in 2024, she brings formidable skills to any team format. Her love for matchplay adds another dimension to her potential impact. “I love match play on top of that,” Ko emphasized, lamenting her limited opportunities. “I haven’t really had the opportunity to play many match play events properly since Lorena’s event.”

The World Team concept brings intriguing competitive possibilities. Currently ranked World No. 3, Ko could potentially team up with other elite players like France’s Celine Boutier and Canada’s Brooke Henderson. This combination of top-ranked players from different regions creates a formidable squad capable of challenging traditional powerhouses. Ko’s extensive experience in pressure situations and her recent resurgence position the World Team as an immediate contender rather than a mere addition to the field.

The path now opens wider for elite, isolated players. Ko’s potential participation in the International Crown fulfills a personal dream and signals a shift toward greater inclusivity in professional golf. As the sport evolves, this change promises new opportunities for players to experience the team dynamics they’ve long missed, regardless of their national origin.