Lydia Ko came tantalizingly close to LPGA history Thursday, firing a 12-birdie round of 60 in the opening round of the Ford Championship at Whirlwind Golf Club. The spectacular performance left the New Zealand star just one shot shy of becoming only the second player in tour history to break 60.
Ko acknowledged the historic milestone was on her mind during the round, particularly as birdies continued to pile up on her scorecard. The round featured an impressive dozen birdies without a single bogey, showcasing the form that has made her one of the tour's most consistent performers.
"I had thoughts of 59," Ko admitted during her post-round media session, though she expressed satisfaction with her remarkable achievement. Despite falling one shot short of the magical number, Ko remained "thrilled with 60" and the strong start to the tournament.
The 60 matches one of the lowest rounds in LPGA Tour history and puts Ko in prime position heading into Friday's second round. Only Annika Sorenstam has officially shot 59 on the LPGA Tour, accomplishing the feat at the 2001 Standard Register Ping.
Ko's performance comes at a crucial time in the 2026 LPGA season, with players looking to establish early momentum in what promises to be a competitive campaign. The Ford Championship represents an important stop on the tour's schedule, offering significant prize money and world ranking points.
The round also highlighted Ko's return to elite form after various ups and downs throughout her career. The former world No. 1 has been working to reclaim her spot among the tour's premier players, and Thursday's performance suggests she's heading in the right direction.
Amateur Asterisk Talley is another player worth watching at the Ford Championship, adding intrigue to the field beyond Ko's historic round. The tournament continues Friday with Ko holding a commanding early lead.
The near-59 joins a select group of sub-60 rounds in professional women's golf, underlining the exceptional nature of Ko's achievement. With three more rounds remaining, Ko will look to maintain her momentum and potentially add another LPGA Tour victory to her resume.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Ko can sustain this level of play and convert her brilliant start into a championship victory.