Lydia Ko was in contention on Sunday at the LPGA’s Palos Verdes Championship, trying to catch eventual winner Marina Alex down the stretch outside Los Angeles. Under the circumstances, then, the sight of physical therapist Chris Wicker coming out on the back nine and stretching out the 25-year-old’s hips and back was concerning. What had she injured and would that cost her the tournament?
Ko played on and eventually posted a one-under 70 to finish in a tie for third place. Afterward, Golf Channel reporter Jerry Foltz asked the 17-time LPGA Tour winner about the use of the trainer and what happened, curious if there were any long-term issues going on.
At that point, Ko delivered an impressively earnest answer.
“I hope not,” Ko said. “It’s that time of the month. I know the ladies watching are probably like, ‘yeah, I got you.’ So, when that happens, my back gets really tight, and I’m all twisted. It’s not the first time that Chris has seen me twisted, but it felt a lot better after he came. So, yeah, there you go.”
After hearing the response, there was some silence, Foltz left temporarily speechless. Without a follow-up question, he simply said, “Um … thanks.”
Ko then helped break any potential tension: “I know you’re at a loss for words Jerry. Honesty it is.”
Here’s a video of the interview:
One of Foltz’ colleagues at Golf Channel noted the exchange afterward.
Meanwhile, kudos to Ko for treating the situation so openly.