How Lydia Ko is supporting a local small business at the U.S. Women’s Open

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — Lydia Ko has a new logo on the side of her hat at this week’s U.S. Women’s Open, and those familiar with the local area will find it quite familiar.

Thanks to a partnership with American Express, Ko is sporting the logo of local coffee shop High Octane Coffee on the side of her visor throughout the week at Pine Needles.

“I’m really excited to support High Octane Coffee while partnering with AmEx this week,” Ko said. “When I first heard about the initiative and what they were trying to do, I thought it was such a neat idea.”

The partnership paired six golfers — Ko, Celine Boutier, Gaby Lopez, Stacy Lewis, Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang — with local businesses rooted in the community. American Express then purchased sponsorship inventory to produce in-broadcast exposure during the event. Every company in the partnership is also women-owned.

Ko’s partner company is located in nearby Aberdeen, N.C. The shop is housed in a converted gas station just off the main highway that runs through town.

The company logo will be stitched on the right side of Ko’s visor throughout the week.

“I love the logo,” Ko said. “It’s very chic, but, like, cute.”

Ko said it is vital to give back to the communities the LPGA Tour visits each week.

“Every little bit counts,” Ko said. “And I’m just so happy to be able to support High Octane this week.”

Golf.com Editor

Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Prior to joining the team at GOLF.com, he attended the University of Texas followed by stops with Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and women’s golf.