Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko made a historic impact on professional golf in 2012, becoming the youngest person to win a professional golf tour event at 14 years old at the Bing Lee Samsung Women’s NSW Open. The same year, she became the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA Tour event at the CN Canadian Women’s Open at 15. She successfully defended this title in 2013, solidifying her status as the first and only amateur to win two LPGA Tour events. Turning professional in October 2013, Ko quickly secured her first professional victory on the KLPGA Tour.

1, making her the youngest player of either gender to achieve this top ranking. That same year, she claimed her first major championship at The Evian Championship, becoming the youngest female major winner in modern golf and the youngest player to win 10 events on a major tour. She further distinguished herself in 2016 as the youngest female ever to win two major championships. Her outstanding performance in 2015 also earned her the LPGA Rolex Player of the Year award.

Looking ahead, Ko is set to be awarded the Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2025, recognizing her profound contributions to sport.