Lydia Ko is an exceptional professional golfer from New Zealand, renowned for her record-breaking achievements and contributions to women’s golf. She turned professional in late 2013 at the young age of 16, swiftly establishing herself on the LPGA Tour. Ko’s prowess was evident as she became the youngest winner of both an LPGA event and a major championship, underscoring her extraordinary talent and determination. Her groundbreaking victory at the 2012 CN Canadian Women’s Open at age 15 marked her ascent into the spotlight, and she consistently raised the bar with numerous accolades that followed.
In her illustrious career, Ko has amassed an impressive 22 LPGA Tour victories, including three major championships, notably the ANA Inspiration and The Evian Championship. These wins solidified her status as a top competitor and made her the youngest player in history to achieve these remarkable feats. She has achieved the No. 1 ranking in women’s golf multiple times, holding the title for a total of 104 weeks, a testament to her consistency and skill on the course.
Ko has also made significant strides in her impact on women in sports, receiving accolades such as the LPGA Player of the Year in 2015 and 2022. Additionally, her recognition extends beyond the green; she was featured in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2014, embodying the spirit of empowerment and inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Her recent success culminated in winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where she made history by becoming the only golfer in the modern era to secure a complete set of Olympic medals. Lydia Ko continues to inspire and elevate the game of golf, serving as a role model for future generations and an advocate for women’s sports on a global stage.