Dame Lydia Ko DNZM (born 24 April 1997) is a celebrated New Zealand professional golfer who has carved out an extraordinary legacy in women’s golf. Known for her poise, consistency, and relentless drive, Ko first captured global attention when she became the youngest golfer ever to win a professional tournament at age 14.
In February 2015, at just 17 years, 9 months, and 9 days, she became the youngest player, male or female, to reach number one in the world rankings.
A prodigy since her teenage years, Ko holds multiple “youngest-ever” records, including being the youngest to win an LPGA Tour event and the youngest to secure a major championship title. Her record-setting closing round of 62 at the 2021 ANA Inspiration remains one of the lowest in women’s major history. Ko’s rise has not only reshaped women’s golf but also inspired countless young athletes worldwide.
Her Salary and Net Worth | How Much Does Lydia Ko Make?
As of 2025, Lydia Ko’s estimated net worth is around $25 million, reflecting her on-course earnings, endorsements, and appearance fees. Her career prize money on the LPGA Tour has surpassed $17 million, making her one of the top earners in women’s golf history.
In 2022 alone, Ko topped the LPGA money list with over $4 million in earnings, including a $2 million winner’s prize at the CME Group Tour Championship. Major sponsors like PXG, Rolex, and ANZ Bank have significantly contributed to her wealth. Actually, her influence in Asia-Pacific markets has opened lucrative sponsorship opportunities.
Ko’s financial success underlines her dominance and marketability, placing her among the wealthiest female athletes globally.
Lydia Ko Age and Height
Lydia Ko is currently 28 years old, having been born on April 24, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea. After moving to New Zealand at a young age, she became a naturalized citizen and proudly represents New Zealand in global competitions, including the Olympics.
She stands 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall and maintains a lean, athletic build. Ko’s stature, combined with her exceptional flexibility and technique, allows her to generate impressive swing speed and control, proving that power in golf isn’t only about physical size but also about timing and precision.
Lydia Ko’s Wife or Girlfriend
Is Lydia Ko Married? Yes, Lydia Ko is married. She tied the knot with Chung Jun, the son of Hyundai Card vice chairman Chung Tae-young, in December 2022. The couple’s relationship was kept relatively private until their wedding in Seoul, which attracted significant media attention in Korea and New Zealand.
Lydia Ko’s husband is not a professional athlete, but he comes from a prominent business family. Since her marriage, Ko has often shared glimpses of her personal life on social media, showing a balance between her professional ambitions and private happiness.
Her Latest Career News in 2025
Lydia Ko continues to make headlines in 2025 with her remarkable performances. She started the year strong with multiple top-10 finishes and remains a strong contender for the LPGA Player of the Year award.
In 2024, she won her second Olympic gold medal at the Paris Summer Games, making history as the first golfer to win all three Olympic medals (gold, silver, bronze) across three different Games — a feat unmatched in modern golf history.
Moreover, Ko was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year Honours, recognizing her exceptional contributions to golf and her role as an ambassador for New Zealand sports on the global stage.
Currently, she also serves as a player director on the LPGA Board, influencing the future direction of women’s golf.
Her Latest Career news, salary, age, height, weight, boyfriend, family, and biography
Here’s a clean, informative table summarizing Ko’s key biographical details via a table.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lydia Ko (Korean name: Ko Bo-kyung) |
| Age | 28 years (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Weight | Approximately 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Birth Date | April 24, 1997 |
| Birth Place | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| College | Did not attend college; turned professional at age 16 |
| Turned Professional | 2013 |
| Professional Wins | 26 (19 LPGA Tour wins, 6 Ladies European Tour wins, 1 other win) |
| Highest Ranking | No. 1 (first achieved in February 2015 at age 17) |
| Wife / Husband | Chung Jun (married in 2022) |
| Father’s Name | Ko Gil-hong |
| Mother’s Name | Tina Hyon |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Wiki Page | Lydia Ko – Wikipedia |
| Nickname | “Kid Ko” and “Golf’s Wonder Girl” |
| Residence | Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Olympic Medals | 1 Gold (2024), 1 Silver (2020), 1 Bronze (2016) |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into LPGA Hall of Fame in 2024 |
| Awards & Honors | Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2025), Young New Zealander of the Year (2016), Time 100 (2014) |
Lydia Ko’s Achievements: A Record-Breaking Journey
Lydia Ko’s achievements are staggering and include:
- Youngest ever to win an LPGA Tour event at age 15.
- Youngest player to win a women’s major championship (Evian Championship, 2015).
- Two-time major champion (Evian Championship 2015, ANA Inspiration 2016).
- First golfer to complete an Olympic medal set (bronze in 2016, silver in 2020, gold in 2024).
- 19 LPGA Tour victories as of 2025.
- LPGA Player of the Year (2015, 2022).
- Vare Trophy winner (lowest scoring average) multiple times.
- Member of the LPGA Hall of Fame (inducted 2024 at age 27, the youngest ever).
- Named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people (2014).
Her career is a testament to consistent excellence and trailblazing accomplishments, making her an icon not just in golf but in global sports.
Read also more women’s golfers’ profiles: Amy Olson
Lilia Vu Golfer’s Career and News.
FAQs about Lydia Ko
Who is Lydia Ko’s coach?
Lydia Ko has worked with several renowned coaches over her career. As of 2025, she works with Sean Foley, who has helped her fine-tune her swing and mental approach.
What clubs does Lydia Ko use?
Ko currently uses PXG clubs and has a long-standing endorsement deal with the brand. She often customizes her equipment for optimal performance.
Does Lydia Ko have siblings?
Yes, Lydia has an older sister named Sura Ko, who has supported her throughout her career but is not involved professionally in sports.
Where does Lydia Ko live?
Ko resides in Orlando, Florida, which offers excellent training facilities and proximity to LPGA Tour events.
Final Thoughts
Lydia Ko’s story is one of prodigious talent, historic records, and unwavering dedication. From being a teenage sensation to becoming a two-time major champion, Olympic gold medalist, and now a Dame of New Zealand, Ko exemplifies what it means to be a global sports icon.
Her journey continues to inspire millions, proving that with passion and perseverance, greatness has no limits.