As Lydia Ko edges closer to one of the most revered records set by the LPGA Tour players, she surprisingly maintains a high degree of modesty. If Ko achieves success during this week, she will come closer to surpassing the leading place on the money list, breaking Annika Sörenstam's record.

She is preparing to play at the U.S. Women's Open, and in a press conference on Tuesday, Ko dismisses comparisons to the World Golf Hall of Fame player.

"Record-wise, no, I just feel like I'm like an ant and she's -- I don't know what the biggest bug or living thing is, but she's that," Ko said.

Sorenstam achieved 72 wins on the LPGA Tour and an astounding 96 professional victories during her dominant career.

"To be honest, it's hard to compare myself to her record just because she won 70-something times and 90-something times worldwide," Ko explained when evaluating the two careers.

On the other hand, Ko has secured 23 LPGA Tour victories so far.

Chasing Greatness and a Career Grand Slam

Sorenstam holds the top position on the LPGA Tour all-time money list with her astounding career earnings totaling $22.5 million, via Golfcompendium.com. Ko occupies the second spot on the list, having earned a remarkable amount of $21.8 million.

For the Kiwi ace to dethrone the Swedish ace, she needs less than a million in career earnings currently. Overtaking Sorenstam will see Ko become the highest-earning female golfer in the sport's history.

So far, Ko has enjoyed an impressive performance for the 2026 LPGA Tour season with four top-10 finishes. Her earnings before the Riviera event stand at $499,918 in this season.

Despite her numerous achievements, Lydia Ko has yet to claim victory in the U.S. Women's Open. Her best finish at the event was a tie for third place in 2016.

A win in the designated tournament will help the champion golfer gain possession of the coveted Career Grand Slam title, putting her into the realm of golf legends.

With the challenging event approaching at Riviera, golf fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see whether Ko will manage to secure the long-awaited major victory on this occasion.

Read more at Club Golf!

Written by

Abhishek Sharma

Edited by

Ankita Yadav