Lydia Ko Aims for $7 Million Prize at Season-End Championship

Lydia Ko, the renowned New Zealand golfer, enters the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship with the potential to significantly enhance her 2025 season. Having secured one victory earlier this year, Ko aims to double her win total by claiming the championship this week, which features a $4 million prize for the winner, the largest payout in women’s golf.

Ko’s performance throughout the year has been steady, resulting in five top-10 finishes across just 15 events on the LPGA Tour. While not reaching the heights she often achieves, her consistency has kept her in contention. The tournament, taking place at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, will see only the top 60 players from the season-long points race compete, with Ko finishing 26th on that list.

Season Finale Brings New Opportunities

Heading into the 72-hole tournament, all players start with a clean slate, allowing Ko an opportunity to claim the overall championship and the associated prize. The 28-year-old golfer’s sole victory this year came at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in March, marking the 23rd win of her LPGA career. She recently placed ninth at the Maybank Championship, showcasing her competitive edge as she approaches the final event of the season.

Ko has a strong history at the Naples venue, having triumphed twice in previous tournaments, securing titles in 2014 and 2022. She also finished third in last year’s championship, which adds to her confidence as she prepares for the competition. Notably, Ko has only missed the Tour Championship once in her career, in 2023, making her presence at this year’s event even more significant.

Preparing for a High-Stakes Tournament

In her pre-tournament press conference, Ko expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to compete at the prestigious event, stating, “You know, having missed the Tour Championship once before… I think I now appreciate it more to be here. Always great to be able to kind of cap off the season here in Naples.”

Ko will begin her first round on Friday at 4:40 AM (NZT), playing alongside Japan’s Ayaka Furue. With the spotlight on her, Ko is poised to conclude her season on a high note, aiming not only for the championship title but also for the financial rewards that come with it.

As the tournament unfolds, Ko’s performance will be closely watched, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if she can add another victory to her impressive career tally.