The gold medal secured at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics solidified Lydia Ko as the first golfer in the modern era to complete an Olympic set, having previously earned bronze in Tokyo 2020 and silver in Rio 2016. This victory also confirmed her induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame as its 35th and youngest member at age 27.
Early Development and Amateur Success
Born in Seoul, South Korea, on 24 April 1997, Ko moved to New Zealand at age four. She began training at five years old at the Pupuke Golf Club under coach Guy Wilson. By age seven, she gained media attention for competing in national amateur championships. She attended Mairangi Bay Primary and Pinehurst School, later continuing her education through correspondence and online studies with Korea University.
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In January 2012, at age 14, Ko won the Bing Lee/Samsung Women's NSW Open, becoming the youngest professional tour event winner at that time. Later that year, she became the youngest winner of an LPGA Tour event by taking the CN Canadian Women's Open, a title she successfully defended in 2013. Following her performance at the 2013 CME Group Titleholders, she officially joined the professional ranks.
Record-Breaking Trajectory
Ko reached the number one spot in the Women's World Golf Rankings on 2 February 2015, aged 17 years and 9 months, setting a record for the youngest player of either gender to hold the top position. Her victory at The Evian Championship in September 2015 made her the youngest woman to win a major championship. She further cemented her status with subsequent major wins, including the 2016 ANA Inspiration.
Career Honors and Recognition
Throughout her career, Ko has received numerous accolades, including the Mark H. McCormack Medal three years consecutively from 2011. She was named Young New Zealander of the Year in 2016 and received an appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019. In the 2025 New Year Honours, she was named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to golf.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 April 1997, Seoul
- Citizenship: New Zealand
- Olympic Medals: Gold (2024), Silver (2016), Bronze (2020)
- LPGA Hall of Fame Inductee: 2024
- Education: Pinehurst School, Korea University
- Professional debut: 2013 CME Group Titleholders
Questions readers ask
What record did Ko set at the 2021 ANA Inspiration?
She shot a final round of 62, establishing the record for the lowest final round in the history of women's golf majors.
How many times did she win the LPGA Player of the Year?
She earned the LPGA Player of the Year award twice in her career, including the 2022 season.
