“I think I’ve won a decent amount having 23, but 70-something is a completely different level than what I’ve done,” Ko said.
“We’re playing in a different generation right now. You win CME [Tour Championship] and you get $3m. Jeeno [Thitikul] has played two [Tour Championship] tournaments and has won $6m-plus.
“It’s cool to be compared to that record and hopefully surpass it at some point, but it’s very hard to compare because we are playing for a lot more money than she did back in that day.
“For me, the win count is probably a bit more meaningful. Not that the money isn’t meaningful. We’re very grateful we get to play for a lot more money and the last few majors has been like a $1m purse increase starting in LA, so it’s very exciting for the women’s game, but record-wise, I just feel 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’s best performance at a US Open came in 2016 when she finished second. She also claimed outright third in 2014 and finished in a tie for 10th in 2019. She has two top-20 finishes at the tournament since then, including a tie for 12th last year.
With Riviera also set to host the Olympic Games field in 2028, Ko said the week ahead shaped up as a good test for how that might play out, as there would be some players in the US Open field who would feature in that tournament.
Asked if she thought she would be one of them, the 2024 gold medallist was quick to say no.
“The only thing I would be really excited for is there’s a mixed teams component. I love team play. I really don’t get that opportunity much in the year … that would be the only thing that I will be very jealous that I’m not a part of.
“But who knows, I could be a part of it in a different place rather than just competing. I do take pride in competing for New Zealand in the Olympics and I really do hope I can be a part of it somehow in some shape or form but no, three Olympics and that stress was enough.”
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.