GOLF

Photos: Lydia Ko through the years

Golfweek

USA TODAY Sports

Aug. 10, 2024, 10:23 a.m. ET

Lydia Ko plays her shot from the seventh tee during the first round of the Ford Championship at Seville Golf and Country Club in Gilbert, Arizona. (Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko is without a doubt, the best Kiwi to ever tee it up.

She has 28 professional wins with two major championships to boot.

A child prodigy, Ko began playing golf at the age of five and gained national attention at 14 when she became the then-youngest winner of any professional golf tour event. That title now belongs to her colleague, Brooke Henderson, who broke Ko's record that same year.

Later in 2012, Ko became the youngest LPGA winner at just 15-years-old at the CN Canadian Open. Not looking back, Ko has continued to rack up wins and dominate in spurts on the LPGA.

Three wins in 2014 earned her LPGA Rookie of the Year honors. Winning five times in 2015, Ko climbed to No. 1 in the world which culminated in her first major title at the Evian Championship.

Winning is what Ko does.

All her wins came before being eligible to become a mid-amateur. Her dominance at such a young age is one of the things that make Ko so special. Luckily for us, it looks like she'll be around for awhile longer.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand signs autographs after finishing her third round at the women's golf competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Le Golf National. (Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Sports)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand reacts to the putt of Morgane Metraux of Team Switzerland (not pictured) on the 18th green during Day Three of the Women's Individual Stroke Play on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf National on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand on No. 3 in the third round of women's individual stroke play during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Le Golf National. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Sports

Lydia Ko (New Zealand) on no. 1 in the third round of women's individual stroke play during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Le Golf National. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Sports

Lydia Ko (NZL) hits out of a bunker on the 18th hole in the second round in women's individual stroke play during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Le Golf National. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Sports

Lydia Ko of New Zealand holds her bronze medal on the podium at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (Yoshi Iwamoto/AFP via Getty Images)

Lydia Ko looks on during the first round of the 2024 CPKC Women's Open at Earl Grey Golf Club. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko plays her shot from the 10th tee during the first round of the 2024 CPKC Women's Open at Earl Grey Golf Club. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

VANCOUVER, BC - AUGUST 23: Lydia Ko of New Zealand kisses the trophy after her victory during the final round of the Canadian Pacific Women's Open at the Vancouver Golf Club on August 23, 2015 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

COQUITLAM, BC - AUGUST 26: Lydia Ko of New Zealand is doused with water by Stacy Lewis, Jiyai Shin and Jessica Korda in celebration of her three shot victory during the final round of the Canadian Women's Open at The Vancouver Golf Club on August 26, 2012 in Coquitlam, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

COQUITLAM, BC - AUGUST 26: Amateur Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses with the trophy and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after a three shot victory during the final round of the Canadian Women's Open at The Vancouver Golf Club on August 26, 2012 in Coquitlam, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand looks on during the second round of the Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 12, 2024 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Danielle Kang of the United States and Lydia Ko of New Zealand walks off the sixth tee during the second round of the 2024 Dow Championship at Midland Country Club. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Danielle Kang hug on the 18th green after Lydia defeats Danielle by one stroke to win the 2022 Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio Golf Club on January 30, 2022 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Danielle Kang and Lydia Ko of New Zealand celebrate an eagle on the 11th hole during the second round of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational at Midland Country Club on July 15, 2021 in Midland, Michigan. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand looks on while playing a shot on the 11th green prior to the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club on June 19, 2024 in Sammamish, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays her shot on the 12th tee during a practice round prior to the U.S. Women's Open Presented by Ally at Lancaster Country Club on May 29, 2024 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko walks from the first tee down to the fairway during the third round of The Chevron Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Lydia Ko has an umbrella held by caddie Paul Cormack as they walk the ninth green during the third round of The Chevron Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Lydia Ko tees off during first round play of the Meijer LPGA Classic Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, MI.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand hits a tee shot on the 13th hole during the second round of the Blue Bay LPGA at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on March 08, 2024 in Hainan Island, Hainan. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays her shot on the 9th hole during the first round of the Blue Bay LPGA at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on March 07, 2024 in Hainan Island, Hainan. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko tees off during first round play of the Meijer LPGA Classic Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, MI.

Lydia Ko tees off during first round play of the Meijer LPGA Classic Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, MI.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses for a photo at the Welcome Reception in Marina Bay Sands prior to the HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club on February 27, 2024 in Singapore. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses with her trophy following her five stroke victory during the final round of the CN Canadian Women's Open at Royal Mayfair Golf Club on August 25, 2013 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Nelly Korda of the United States celebrates a victory over Lydia Ko of New Zealand on the second play-off hole during the final round of the LPGA Drive On Championship at Bradenton Country Club on January 28, 2024 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko follows her putt on the 18th green during the final round of the LPGA Drive On Championship at Bradenton Country Club on January 28, 2024 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand walks the 18th fairway during the final round of the LPGA Drive On Championship at Bradenton Country Club on January 28, 2024 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko smiles on the 18th green after winning the 2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. (Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays her shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on January 21, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green after winning the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on January 21, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand smiles as she walks off the ninth tee during the third round of the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club on January 20, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Jason Day of Australia celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Jason Day of Australia walk from the third tee during the second round of the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Jason Day of Australia celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

Jason Day of Australia and Lydia Ko of New Zealand talk on the second green during the final round of the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club on December 10, 2023 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Jason Day of Australia during the first round of the Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club on December 08, 2023 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Douglas DeFelice/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand walks off the 14th tee during the first round of The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican at Pelican Golf Club on November 09, 2023 in Belleair, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand reacts as she walks towards the second fairway during the final round of the 2023 BMW Ladies Championship on the Seowon Hills course at Seowon Valley Country Club in South Korea. (Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko looks on after playing her shot from the fifth tee during the first round of The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican at Pelican Golf Club on November 09, 2023 in Belleair, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko on the first tee box during the second round of the 2023 AIG Women's Open at Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey, England. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko warms up on the driving range during a practice round ahead of the 2023 KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. (Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko checks her yardage book during the Aramco Team Series event in Florida. (Aramco photo)

Lydia Ko drives off the second tee box during the first round of The Chevron Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Lydia Ko of New Zealand lines up a putt on the eighth hole during the first round of The Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods on April 20, 2023 in The Woodlands, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko speak to the media at the Chevron Championship. (Golfweek photo)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses for a portrait during the LPGA Photo Shoot leading up to the JTBC Classic presented by Barbasol at Aviara Golf Club on March 22, 2022 in Carlsbad, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko poses iwth the trophy after winning the 2023 Aramco Saudi Ladies International.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand hugs her caddie Derek Kistler on the 18th green after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses for a photo with her fiancé, the Vare Trophy, the Rolex Player of the Year trophy and the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses with the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses for a photo with the Vare Trophy, the Rolex Player of the Year trophy and the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko of New Zealand is poured champagne after winning the tournament on the 18th green during the final round of the BMW Ladies Championship at Oak Valley Country Club on October 23, 2022 in Wonju, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

NAPLES, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 20: Lydia Ko of New Zealand waves to fans as she approaches the 18th green during the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko poses for a photo with her fiancé, the Vare Trophy, the Rolex Player of the Year trophy and the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

NAPLES, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 20: Lydia Ko of New Zealand receives the winners jacket from CME Group Terry Duffy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko is presented the winner's check from CME Group CEO Terry Duffy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko poses with the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko plays her shot from the 15th tee during the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko poses for a photo with the Vare Trophy, the Rolex Player of the Year trophy and the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 20, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko looks on during the second round of the 2022 CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

NAPLES, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Lydia Ko of New Zealand looks on during the first round of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 17, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

NAPLES, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Lydia Ko of New Zealand answers questions from the media during a press conference prior to the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club on November 16, 2022 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko tees off on the 18th hole during the 2022 CME Group Tour Golf Championship Pro-Am at the Tiburn Golf Club in Naples, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2022. (Chris Tilley)

Lydia Ko talks with coach Sean Foley during a practice round ahead of the 2021 CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. (Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 27: Lydia Ko tees off during the New Zealand Men's & Women's Amateur Championship at Titirangi Golf Club on April 27, 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

COQUITLAM, BC - AUGUST 26: Amateur Lydia Ko of New Zealand and caddie Brian Alexander pose with the trophy after the final round of the Canadian Women's Open at The Vancouver Golf Club on August 26, 2012 in Coquitlam, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA - APRIL 04: Lydia Ko of New Zealand checks her book on the 16th tee during the first round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills Country Club on April 4, 2013 in Rancho Mirage, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 01: Lydia Ko of New Zealand teeing off during the ISPS Handa New Zealand Womens Open on February 1, 2014 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joseph Johnson/Getty Images)

PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS - FEBRUARY 06: Lydia Ko of New Zealand and Jessica Korda walk to the fourth tee during round one of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Club course on February 6, 2015 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

OCALA, FL - FEBRUARY 04: Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays a shot on the 15th hole during the second round of the Coates Golf Championship Presented By R+L Carriers at Golden Ocala Golf Club on February 4, 2016 in Ocala, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 14: Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses with the New Zealand Women's Open trophy after winning the New Zealand Women's Open at Clearwater Golf Club on February 14, 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)

SINGAPORE - MARCH 03: Lydia Ko of New Zealand celebrates her birdie on the 17th hole during the second round of the HSBC Women's Champions on the Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club on March 3, 2017 in Singapore. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - FEBRUARY 28: Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays her shot from the second tee during the first round of the HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club on February 28, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

TOLEDO, OHIO - AUGUST 01: Lydia Ko of New Zealand walks under an umbrella to avoid the rain on the fifth hole during the second round of the LPGA Drive On Championship at Inverness Club on August 1, 2020 in Toledo, Ohio. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

GULLANE, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 03: Lydia Ko of New Zealand looks on with caddies during the Pro-Am prior to the AIG Women's Open at Muirfield on August 03, 2022 in Gullane, Scotland. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

GULLANE, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 03: Lydia Ko of New Zealand tees off on the first hole during the Pro-Am prior to the AIG Women's Open at Muirfield on August 03, 2022 in Gullane, Scotland. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko looks on prior to the 2022 Amundi Evian Championship at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Lydia Ko celebrates after winning the 2016 ANA Inspiration at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California.. (Photo: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)

Lydia Ko talks with with Ariya Jutanugarn and Jessica Korda while standing on the fifteenth tee during the second round of the 2022 KPMG Women's PGA Championship in Bethesda, Maryland. (Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Lydia Ko hits her tee shot on the 13th hole during a practice round at the 2022 U.S. Women's Open Presented by ProMedica at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. (Darren Carroll/USGA)

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - MARCH 04: Lydia Ko of New Zealand plays her shot from the third tee during the second round of the HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club on March 04, 2022 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

HSBC Women's World Championship - Day Two

2022 U.S. Women's Open

2022 KPMG Women's PGA Championship

2016 ANA Inspiration

AIG Women's Open - Previews

AIG Women's Open - Previews

2022 Amundi Evian Championship

LPGA Drive On Championship - Round Two

HSBC Women's World Championship - Day One

HSBC Women's Champions - Day Two

Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic - Round One

ISPS Handa New Zealand Womens Open

Coates Golf Championship Presented By R+L Carriers - Round Two

2016 New Zealand Women's Open

Kraft Nabisco Championship - Round One

CN Canadian Women's Open - Final Round

New Zealand Men's & Women's Amateur Championship

DSC_1141

CME Group Tour Championship - Previews

2021 CME Group Tour Championship

CME Group Tour Championship - Round One

2022 CME Group Tour Championship

2022 CME Group Tour Championship

2022 CME Group Tour Championship

2022 CME Group Tour Championship

2022 CME Group Tour Championship

CME Group Tour Championship - Final Round

2022 CME Group Tour Championship

CME Group Tour Championship - Final Round

BMW Ladies Championship - Final Round

CME Group Tour Championship - Final Round

CME Group Tour Championship - Final Round

CME Group Tour Championship - Final Round

New Zealand's Lydia Ko will return to the Saudi Ladies International 2023

New Zealand's Lydia Ko has a four-shot lead in the Saudi Ladies International

Lydia Ko and Atthaya Thitikul during the first round of the Aramco Saudi Ladies International

2023 Aramco Saudi Ladies International

CME Group Tour Championship - Final Round

LPGA Photo Shoot

Unknown-14

2023 Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods

Lydia Ko

LPGA: The Chevron Championship - First Round

Lydo Ko 2 - Aramco Team Series Florida 2023

2023 KPMG Women's PGA Championship

2023 AIG Women's Open

2023 BMW Ladies Championship

2023 Grant Thornton Invitational

2023 Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican - Round One

2023 Grant Thornton Invitational

2023 Grant Thornton Invitational

2023 Grant Thornton Invitational

2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

2023 Grant Thornton Invitational

2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions

2024 LPGA Drive On Championship

2024 LPGA Drive On Championship

LPGA Drive On Championship - Final Round

CN Canadian Women's Open

2024 HSBC Women's World Championship

Syndication: hollandsentinel.com

Blue Bay LPGA - Round One

Syndication: hollandsentinel.com

2024 Blue Bay LPGA

2024 Ford Championship

Syndication: hollandsentinel.com

LPGA: The Chevron Championship - Third Round

2024 Chevron Championship

2024 U.S. Women's Open

KPMG Women's PGA Championship

Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational - Round Two

Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio - Final Round

2024 Dow Championship

2024 Amundi Evian Champioship

CN Canadian Women's Open - Final Round

CN Canadian Women's Open - Final Round

Canadian Pacific Women's Open - Final Round

2024 CPKC Women's Open

2024 CPKC Women's Open

2021 Olympics

2024 Olympics

2024 Olympics

2024 Olympics

2024 Olympics

2024 Olympics

Featured Weekly Ad