Olympic-inspired Ko relishing Scottish Open return

Lydia Ko had no thoughts of taking time out after her Olympic gold medal as the New Zealander believes this week’s Women’s Scottish Open is ideal preparation for next week’s Open at St Andrews.

The 27-year-old is part of a strong field at Dundonald Links that includes five of the world’s top 10 players, 18 past major winners and 36 who took part at the Olympics in Paris.

Ko feels invigorated by her Olympic experience and said: “We had 30,000 fans every day and I think it was truly a celebration of sport and finally golf was fully integrated into the Games.

“Playing in the Olympics and representing New Zealand was one of the biggest honours of my life. I think it’s definitely a big dream that I think many juniors, not just golfers, but in other sports, should dream of becoming because, if I can do it, they can do it, too, for sure.”

Ko wanted to play the Scottish Open to prepare her for links golf before next week’s major.

“I just wanted to kind of stick to my schedule and I think it’s a good thing, especially kind of playing into something as big as The Open,” she said. “I always enjoy playing links and we don’t really get to play these type of golf courses very much in the year.”

World number two Lilia Vu, the highest-ranked player in the field, was delighted with “really beautiful” weather that greeted Wednesday’s pro-am but realises that is unlikely to be the case for all four rounds.

“I think my goal this week is just to be adaptable to the weather, whatever it is,” she said. “I know some weather is going to be coming in.”

Defending champion Celine Boutier, who finished 18th at the Olympics, views the changeable weather as just “part of the experience of Scottish courses”.

“It’s very nice to be coming back here – a lot of good memories here,” she said.

For Scottish number one Gemma Dryburgh, winning her home tournament is a “dream of mine” as she looks to emulate compatriot Bob MacIntyre’s victory in a world-class field at this year’s men’s Scottish Open.

“Watching Bob win at Renaissance was so inspirational,” she added. “I sent him a message and just said how proud we are of him.

“It’s just amazing to see what he’s done the last year or so – well, few years, actually. It would be great to kind to follow in his footsteps.”