Lydia Ko Eagles Her Way to Second Place in New Jersey

New Zealand's Lydia Ko reminded everyone why she's one of golf's brightest stars, sinking an eagle putt on her way to a scorching first-round performance at the Mizuho Americas Open in New Jersey.

Ko carded a five-under par 67 on Friday, landing her in a tie for second place alongside Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul. They trail leader Andrea Lee of the United States by just one stroke after Lee's impressive six-under 66.

The highlight of Ko's round came at the par-five 13th hole, her fourth of the day. She drained an eagle putt that energized her performance and set the tone for a stellar outing at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell.

Ko mixed five birdies with just two bogeys throughout her round, showcasing the consistency that has made her a force on tour. Her aggressive play and steady touch on the greens kept her in contention from start to finish.

Why This Inspires

Ko's strong opening comes at the perfect time. She's hunting for her first victory of the 2026 season after posting three top-five finishes in seven starts.

The timing matters even more because Ko recently bounced back from a missed cut at the season's first major championship. Instead of letting that setback derail her confidence, she came out swinging in New Jersey.

That resilience speaks volumes about Ko's mental game. Professional golf demands not just physical skill but the ability to shake off disappointments and refocus on the next opportunity.

At just 29 years old, Ko continues building on a career that has already included multiple major championships and time as the world's number one player. Her hunger for another win shows she's far from satisfied with past achievements.

With three rounds remaining, Ko has positioned herself perfectly to challenge for the title and end her 2026 win drought on a positive note.