Even champions have places they hold dear, and for pro golfer Lydia Ko , one of those cherished spots is now under threat. A beloved golf course that shaped her junior career is facing drastic changes, and Ko has joined the fight to preserve it.

The course at the center of the debate is Takapuna Golf Course in Auckland. In July, the Auckland Council announced plans to start construction in 2027 that would convert part of the 18-hole course into a flood storage wetland. The project aims to reduce flood risks to over 250 homes, care facilities, and key infrastructure, including North Shore Hospital. While the new design could still allow a nine-hole course, it represents a major reduction from the full course. This decision has drawn opposition from both sporting bodies and residents.

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