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Lydia Ko: Portrait of a Teen Golfing Sensation

Craig Carter

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Published in Lonely Planet

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Early Life and Golfing Roots

Born in Seoul, South Korea, on April 24, 1997, Lydia Ko emigrated to New Zealand with her family at the age of six. Her father, Gil-Hong Ko, had been a golf professional in Korea, and he introduced Lydia to the game at a young age. Lydia's mother, Tina Hyon, was also an avid golfer.

Lydia Ko: Portrait of a teen golfing sensation

by Lonely Planet

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Lydia's talent for golf became evident from an early age. She won her first junior tournament at the age of eight and continued to dominate at the junior level. In 2012, at the age of 15, she became the youngest winner of the New Zealand Women's Open, a professional tournament.

Professional Career

Lydia Ko turned professional in 2013 and quickly made her mark on the LPGA Tour. In her rookie season, she won two tournaments, including the Canadian Women's Open, and finished third in the LPGA Championship. Her outstanding performance earned her the LPGA Rookie of the Year award.

In 2014, Lydia Ko cemented her status as one of the world's best golfers. She won five tournaments, including two major championships: the LPGA Championship and the Evian Championship. At the age of 17, she became the youngest player to ever win a major championship.

Lydia Ko continued to dominate the LPGA Tour in the following years. She won multiple tournaments each season and consistently ranked among the top players in the world. In 2015, she became the youngest player to reach the number one spot in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings.

Major Championship Victories

Lydia Ko has won two major championships in her career: the LPGA Championship (2014, 2016) and the Evian Championship (2014).

LPGA Championship (2014): Lydia Ko won her first major championship at the age of 17, becoming the youngest player to ever win the tournament. She shot a final round of 63 to secure a four-stroke victory.
Evian Championship (2014): Lydia Ko's second major championship came at the Evian Championship. She shot a final round of 68 to win by two strokes and become the youngest player to ever win the tournament.
LPGA Championship (2016): Lydia Ko won her second LPGA Championship at the age of 19. She shot a final round of 66 to win by two strokes and become the second youngest player to win the tournament multiple times.

Other Notable Accomplishments

LPGA Rookie of the Year (2013)
Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings No. 1 (2015-2017, 2019-2020)
Lorena Ochoa Award (2014, 2015)
Golf Writers Association of America Female Player of the Year (2014, 2015)
LPGA Player of the Year (2014, 2015, 2016)
Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame (2021)

Legacy and Impact

Lydia Ko is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. Her exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and global appeal have made her an inspiration to golfers of all ages and abilities. Her achievements have helped to break down barriers and inspire a new generation of female golfers.

Lydia Ko's legacy extends beyond the golf course. She has become a role model for young people around the world, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Her success has helped to raise the profile of women's golf and inspire greater recognition and support for female athletes.

Lydia Ko's journey to becoming a global golf sensation is a testament to her talent, dedication, and unwavering belief in her abilities. From her humble beginnings in New Zealand to her rise to the pinnacle of the sport, Lydia Ko has made a lasting impact on the game of golf and continues to inspire countless people around the world.

Lydia Ko: Portrait of a teen golfing sensation

by Lonely Planet

4.6 out of 5