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Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko is a New Zealand professional golfer born in South Korea.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lydia Ko is a New Zealand professional golfer born in South Korea. She is one of the most accomplished players in women’s golf, with multiple major championships, Olympic medals, and induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. Ko moved to New Zealand at age four and turned professional in 2013.

Early life and amateur career

Ko was born in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to New Zealand with her family at age four. She began playing golf as a child and quickly rose to prominence as an elite amateur. As an amateur, she won her first professional event, becoming the youngest winner of a professional golf tour event.

Professional career

Ko turned professional in 2013. She reached world No. 1 as a teenager, becoming the youngest player to do so in women’s golf. She has won three major championships and 23 LPGA Tour titles.

Olympic achievements

Ko won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She became the first golfer in the modern era to win a complete set of Olympic medals.

Records and honours

Ko has held the world No. 1 ranking and has been recognized for her performance across amateur and professional golf. Her 2024 Olympic gold medal qualified her for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she was subsequently inducted.

Key facts

  • Moved from South Korea to New Zealand with her family at age four.
  • Won her first professional event as an amateur and became the youngest winner of a professional golf tour event.
  • Reached world No. 1 as a teenager and was the youngest player to do so in women’s golf.
  • Has won three major championships and 23 LPGA Tour titles.
  • Won Olympic medals of every colour, completing the set with gold at Paris 2024.
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Canadian context

Ko has competed in events of interest to Canadian golf fans and is a major figure in international women’s golf, which receives significant coverage in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Lydia Ko?
She is a New Zealand professional golfer born in South Korea, known for major wins, Olympic medals, and a long run among the world’s top players.
What is Lydia Ko’s nationality?
She represents New Zealand in golf.
How many major championships has Lydia Ko won?
She has won three major championships.
Has Lydia Ko won an Olympic gold medal?
Yes. She won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, after winning silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020.
Did Lydia Ko reach world No. 1?
Yes. She became world No. 1 as a teenager and was the youngest woman to reach the top ranking.
Is Lydia Ko in the LPGA Hall of Fame?
Yes. Her 2024 Olympic gold medal made her eligible, and she was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

References

  1. National Club Golfer — https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/tour/player-profiles/lydia-ko/
    Supports: Birthplace, move to New Zealand, amateur success, LPGA wins, major titles, Olympic medals, ranking milestones.
  2. U.S. Women's Open — https://www.uswomensopen.com/players/57427.html
    Supports: 3 major championships, Paris 2024 gold medal, LPGA Hall of Fame eligibility and induction context.
  3. LPGA — https://www.lpga.com/athletes/lydia-ko/98109/overview
    Supports: Age, LPGA Tour debut/participation context.
  4. Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/lydia-ko
    Supports: Birthplace, move to New Zealand, Olympic medal history, gold at Paris 2024.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/golf/player/results/_/id/7956/lydia-ko
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, turned professional in 2013, basic player bio.