Lydia Ko, a 20-time winner on the LPGA Tour, has officially been inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame, becoming its 35th member. The New Zealand golfer achieved the necessary 27 points for induction by securing a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. At just 27 years old, Ko’s exceptional career includes two major championship titles, multiple accolades such as the Rolex LPGA Player of the Year awards, and the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average.
Ko is now a three-time Olympic medalist, having previously earned silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020. Since turning professional in 2012, she has captured 20 LPGA Tour victories, including major wins at the 2015 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2016 Chevron Championship. Notably, she achieved 18 of her victories following her rookie season in 2014.
Her accomplishments extend beyond the LPGA, with seven wins on the Ladies European Tour and participation in mixed-team events, including a victory alongside Jason Day in the Grant Thornton Invitational.
Ko has set multiple records, becoming the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history at age 15 in 2012 and the youngest player to reach World No. 1 in 2015. She further distinguished herself as the youngest female major champion in 2015 and holds the record for being the youngest player to enter the LPGA Hall of Fame under the current criteria.
LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan praised Ko’s induction as a reflection of her extraordinary talent and influence, emphasizing her role as a role model for young girls and her commitment to the sport.
The LPGA Hall of Fame requires members to earn a minimum of 27 points through various achievements during their careers, a threshold Ko has notably surpassed with her achievements on and off the golf course.