Lydia Ko's Winning Formula: The Gear Behind Her AIG Women's Open Triumph

Lydia Ko's August has been a resounding success. Following her Olympic gold medal triumph, the 27-year-old New Zealander secured her first major championship since 2016, claiming the AIG Women's Open with a two-shot victory. Facing challenging weather conditions at the historic Old Course in St Andrews, Ko remained composed, avoiding costly mistakes and surging into contention with a remarkable four-birdie run over six holes.

As anticipated, Ko opted to stick with her familiar, Ping-heavy equipment setup, a strategy that clearly paid off. Here's a closer look at the clubs that powered her to victory:

Driver: Ping G430 Max 10K (Graphite Design Tour AD VR-6 S shaft)

Ko's trusty Ping driver played a crucial role, allowing her to consistently find the fairway and set up attacking shots. The G430 Max 10K model, with its adjustable weight and high MOI (Moment of Inertia), provides a stable and forgiving performance, a key advantage in the often-unpredictable Scottish weather.

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 (Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange 60 S shaft)

Ko's fairway wood choice, the Ping G430, complements her driver, offering versatility and accuracy from the tee or off the fairway. The lightweight Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange 60 S shaft provides a balanced blend of power and control.

Hybrids: Ping G430 (Graphite Design Tour AD HY 65S shaft), 19 degrees; Ping G430 (Graphite Design Tour AD HY 65S shaft), 22 degrees

Ko's hybrid setup ensures she has the right club for a variety of shots, allowing her to confidently attack par-5s and navigate challenging approaches from awkward lies. The Graphite Design Tour AD HY 65S shafts provide both distance and feel.

Irons: Ping i230 (5-7; Aerotech SteelFiber fc 70S shafts); Ping Blueprint S (8-9; Aerotech SteelFiber fc 70S shafts)

Ko's iron selection demonstrates her focus on both distance and precision. The Ping i230 irons, with their forged construction and progressive design, provide a blend of forgiveness and performance. The Blueprint S irons, designed for superior feel and control, ensure she's able to shape shots effectively around the greens.

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F degrees; Aerotech SteelFiber fc 70S shaft); Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 54-10S and 58-08M degrees; Aerotech SteelFiber fc 80S shafts)

Ko's wedge arsenal is a testament to her expertise in short-game play. The Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges, known for their versatility and precision, provided her with the confidence to attack the pin from any lie, crucial for navigating the tricky greens at St Andrews.

Lydia Ko's dominant performance at the AIG Women's Open was a testament to her skill, consistency, and the power of a well-chosen equipment setup. Her meticulous approach to club selection, combined with her unwavering determination, proved crucial in her triumphant return to the top of the women's golf world.