Lydia Ko reveals the secret to her quiet success on the LPGA.

Lydia Ko’s journey in the LPGA is a true story of perseverance and humility, resonating deeply with the values of her shoe sponsor, Ecco. With a partnership that has lasted nearly a decade, Ko, who prefers golf shoes without spikes and with a design that seems to be “broken in” from the start, has stood out as a force in women’s golf, especially after a period of reflection on her career.

Recently, during the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, a touching moment occurred when a young fan, holding a handmade sign, called out “Dame Lydia!” and the LPGA Hall of Famer rushed to embrace her. Timo Vollarath from Ecco was impressed by Ko’s simplicity and work ethic, stating, “It’s truly unbelievable how humble and hardworking she is. This is what the Ecco brand represents.” Vollarath highlighted that the brand, which does not seek to be the loudest in the market, identifies with the player’s understated and elegant personality.

At 28 years old, Lydia Ko, who has been a prodigy from a young age, has shown admirable vulnerability regarding her journey. With the humor that characterizes her, she shared amusing experiences, such as the time she modeled for Vogue wearing a dress backward, admitting, “I really don’t understand fashion.” Now, as the defending champion of the HSBC, Ko is preparing to replicate last year’s success, once again wearing the same shoes that led her to Olympic gold in 2024 and her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Regarding her equipment, Ko, who won the HSBC in 2025 using Ecco’s Street720 model, has decided to return to the Tray, a model that has made a comeback in the collection due to popular demand. Previously, she accepted any pair of shoes she received, but now, the athlete who has inspired so many to follow in her footsteps is more selective about what she wears.

The choice of shoes is crucial in a sport where walking is fundamental. Ko began wearing Ecco shoes because they were the first that did not require a break-in period – “a new shoe that didn’t feel like a new shoe.” However, the transition to spikeless models was not immediate. After an experience at a British Open, where she did not slip, she became an advocate for spikeless footwear. “I think I don’t know what that changes in terms of performance,” Ko said, “but I feel more connected to the ground.”

With 23 victories on the LPGA, every detail matters, from the ground to the equipment. Now, as a free agent regarding her clubs, Ko continues to refine her game, even after a top 5 finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, and another strong performance in Thailand. She feels more consistent and solid in her performance this season, especially after a year in which her iron play was not at its peak, culminating in a ranking of 113th in greens in regulation.

“As golfers, we are all a little crazy, right? We always want to tweak and improve just a bit more,” reflects Ko. After the recent Winter Olympics in Italy, she recalls her Olympic achievements, particularly the gold medal won in Paris. “There were moments in my career when I felt there were no more chances,” she said, “and I wasn’t sure if I could win again.” Now, looking to the future, she feels like a true princess, with the gold medal hanging around her neck, in a story that has definitely not yet reached its end.