The last time Jin Young Ko played a competitive round, it was more than 100 degrees in Tokyo, Japan, with the sun blaring down on Kasumigaseki Golf Club during the Summer Olympics. After that competition, Ko took a much-needed break at home in Korea and while it was much cooler this week in Portland than it was in Tokyo, the steep hills that make up Oregon Golf Club certainly made Ko’s hard work with her coach well worth it.
“I had a lot of practice with my coach and I had a lot of workouts, three times or four times each week. My body weight is getting higher so…” Ko couldn’t help but joke after her win at the Cambia Portland Classic.
The rest days and arduous workouts paid off, with Ko’s legs carrying her up and down the hilly terrain to her ninth LPGA Tour title. She even had another unexpected day to recuperate this week, as the tournament was rained out on Saturday. And what does a champion do on her day off? What any smart person does – indulge.
“We went to the H Mart with my parents and my manager and I bought Korean food and ice cream,” said Ko. “I ate ice cream and I watched Netflix.”
Ice cream and Netflix. The proper preparation for any champion.
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