Rory McIlroy has been in the headlines recently, but not for his exploits on the golf course. It’s because one of his resurfaced videos from the past has gained widespread attention among the fans. In the video, a nine-year-old McIlroy was spotted chipping golf balls back in 1999. This viral clip also drew the attention of the new LPGA Commissioner, Craig Kessler. And he used it to make a brilliant point about women’s golf.

As fans couldn’t stop raving about this clip, Kessler wished that the fans would hype up the female golfers equally. In a recent interview with Golf.com, Kessler had an exclusive chat with Dylan Dethier. During their chat, Dethier informed the LPGA commissioner that an interview with Jeeno Thitikul revealed how she grew up in a town that did not have a golf course. Yet, her grit and determination have made Thitikul become the No. 1 LPGA golfer in the world.

Supporting the narrative, Kessler stated that the same was the story with Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and others. “Think about how many people across the country and the world have seen the video of Rory chipping balls into his washing machine. Like, you feel it in your bones; it’s the beginning of this emotional connection where people are yelling at their television sets with excitement,” said Kessler. 

The commissioner further emphasized, stating that the female golfers too have equal talents and often undergo a similar toil. Sadly, they are not recognized by the fans much. “If people understood Jeeno’s story, or the sacrifices that people like Aditi Ashok’s family made for her to go from India to America to make it on tour, or what Nelly and Lydia and others have done, they will also yell at their TV sets when their favorite players have a shot on 18 to win a major, to chase the Grand Slam” Kessler further added.

Surely, watching the LPGA take a backseat, the brand new leader of the league is banking on ‘pillars’ to make a boom. Meanwhile, as Kessler talked about Korda and Ko’s sacrifices, here’s what they did to attain greatness. 

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Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko talk about struggles and sacrifices

Golf might look like a game of luxury and significant financial gain. But deep down, it can be a lonely, draining game. Even when one is absolutely smashing it out into the meadows. Take Nelly Korda, for example. Back in 2024, she explained how playing under pressure takes a significant mental toll. “It feels nice when you’re in a groove, but when you play under pressure and you’re in the final group, and you feel the emotions that you do, it takes a toll on you mentally,” Korda said. 

And not only that, she also underwent significant stress trying to live up to the expectations of the fans. Reflecting on her psychological wellness, the LPGA star stated, “Outside noise definitely does hurt sometimes.” And Korda is not alone. Another stalwart of the female golfing realm, Lydia Ko, opened up about her mom’s sacrifice to CNN back in 2018. Speaking about the same, Ko pointed out that her mother was overly devoted to her. 

“Even as an amateur, she drove me to the New Zealand Amateurs, would fly over here (to the USA), would rent a car,” Ko said. She then stated how her mother printed sheets with directions and road maps to drive to places that were almost four to five hours’ drive. “So she’s been a huge inspiration and role model to me. I’d say I don’t think I could ever do that for my daughter,” Ko further added.

Surely, it is evident that the LPGA realm also deserves equal attention and recognition. And with Kessler looking to break the shackles, fans cannot wait to see what happens next.