Lydia Ko achieved a remarkable feat at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing the gold medal after a final-round score of 71. She finished two shots ahead of Germany’s Esther Henseleit, who took silver, and three shots ahead of China’s Xiyu Lin, who earned bronze.
With this victory, Ko has now become the first golfer in modern history to win three Olympic medals, adding the gold to her collection that includes a bronze from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and a silver from the 2016 Rio Games in Brazil.
Additionally, Ko’s gold medal provided her with the final point needed for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. To qualify, players must accumulate 27 points, with points awarded for official LPGA tournament victories, Olympic medals, Vare Trophy wins, Player of the Year awards, and major championships, which carry double points. A player must also secure at least one Vare Trophy, Player of the Year award, or major title.
After winning her 20th LPGA title at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in January, Ko sought one last point, which eluded her at the LPGA Drive On Championship where she finished second. Now, at 27 years old, she becomes the youngest inductee under the current criteria and the 35th member of the Hall of Fame. She is the first player to enter since Lorena Ochoa in 2022 and the first active player to achieve this status since Inbee Park in 2016. Ko also makes history as the first Hall of Fame member from New Zealand.
During the Olympic competition, after 54 holes, Ko was tied for the lead at nine under par with Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux. Ko started the final round with a bogey but quickly regained momentum with birdies on the third and seventh holes. By the ninth hole, she had established an impressive four-shot lead.
Despite her significant advantage, a double-bogey on the 13th hole reduced her lead to three shots as Henseleit started to make a strong push. Henseleit birdied both the 17th and 18th holes, closing the gap to just one shot. However, Ko maintained her composure, parring her way to the 18th tee.
On the final hole, Ko played conservatively, laying up to set up for an easy birdie putt, which she completed successfully, securing the gold medal by two shots.
American golfers Rose Zhang, Nelly Korda, and Lilia Vu finished in T8, T22, and T36 positions, respectively.