Lydia Ko Takes Lead at LPGA Opener After Monster Putt

Sometimes all it takes is one perfect shot to turn everything around.

Lydia Ko sank a monster birdie putt from the edge of the 13th green that had spectators erupting at the Tournament of Champions in Orlando. That stunning shot launched the 28-year-old New Zealander into a birdie streak that carried her straight to the top of the leaderboard.

The world number six carded a five-under 67 in the second round, climbing from eighth place to share the lead with England's Lottie Woad at eight-under par. Ko hit five birdies total, with three coming in rapid succession on the back nine after that jaw-dropping putt on 13.

It's an impressive start to Ko's 13th full season on the LPGA Tour. The Olympic champion came into the tournament having made some bold equipment changes, swapping out her longtime driver for a new model and upgrading her wedges despite already having one of the best short games on tour.

"It was a big move," Ko admitted about the driver switch before the tournament began. But the changes appear to be paying off as she delivered her second consecutive bogey-free round in Florida.

Japan's Nasa Hataoka, who led after the first round, dropped to tied third after recording two bogeys. She sits just one shot behind the leaders alongside South Korea's Amy Yang.

Why This Inspires

Ko returned to the exact tournament she won in 2024, calling it the ideal way to measure where her game stands after a modest one-win season in 2025. Instead of playing it safe with familiar equipment, she took risks with new clubs and trusted her instincts. That willingness to evolve and adapt, even at the highest level of competition, shows the mindset that keeps champions at the top.

The tournament continues into its third round this weekend, with Ko positioned perfectly to defend her title and start the new season with momentum.