New Zealander · Seoul, South Korea · Born 24 April 1997New Zealand professional golfer who became the youngest player to reach World No. 1 at age 17 and won Olympic gold in 2024.
Lydia Ko became the youngest world number one in golf history at just 17 years old, having already turned professional as a teenage prodigy after winning multiple professional tournaments as an amateur. Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, she won Olympic silver at Rio 2016 before an emotional gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, a victory that came after several difficult years of dipped form and personal struggles and produced one of the most celebrated moments in recent Olympic golf history. Ko has continued to add to a major championship collection built in her teens and early twenties, cementing her place as one of the most naturally gifted players the women's game has produced.
Youngest player to reach World No. 1 in golf
How They Played
Consistent ball-striker with excellent short game and mental toughness
Lasting Impact
Trailblazer who broke age records and inspired Asian golfers globally
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2024
- Olympic Silver 2016
- World No.1 at 17 (youngest ever)
- ANA Inspiration winner
New Zealander Athletes