Lydia Ko’s Remarkable Year: Olympic Gold, LPGA Hall Of Fame And Major Title

Lydia Ko’s 2024 season has unfolded much like one would imagine a fairytale—a year filled with achievement, further shaping her legacy in the world of professional golf. Ko has secured an impressive 3 LPGA Tour wins, including the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, the Kroger Queen City Championship, and her third Major win at the AIG Women’s Open, held at the iconic St. Andrews.

Beyond the Tour, Ko has achieved two tremendous accolades this year. She most notably won Gold at the Paris Olympics, a feat which qualified her to become the 35th inductee in the LPGA Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of the most accomplished and influential athletes in the history of women’s golf. Yet, despite her extraordinary year, Ko remains exceptionally grounded and humble, reflecting on her journey with total gratitude.

Career Snapshot:

Current World Ranking: 3rd
Turned Professional: October 2013
Joined the LPGA Tour: 2014
Won Her First LPGA Event: At age 15
Youngest-Ever World No. 1: At age 17
Won the Olympic Gold Medal: 2024, securing her qualification for the LPGA Hall of Fame
30 total professional victories, with 22 on the LPGA Tour, including 3 Major wins.
Olympic medals in 2016, 2020, and 2024—taking home silver, bronze, and gold.

Gold Medal at the Paris Olympics
For Ko, winning the Gold medal at the Paris Olympics was a career-defining moment, one she had only dreamed of. When she stepped onto the podium, the significance of that moment washed over her. “I’ve been fortunate to stand on the Olympic podium three times,” she reflected with the memories. Ko recalled her first experience at the Rio Olympics, describing it as “the most surreal” moment of her life—a scene she had only ever witnessed on television. “At the time, it was a dream, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment,” she said, reminiscing about the thrill of representing her country.

Standing on that podium in Paris was particularly special for Ko. “Hearing my national anthem was incredible. There’s no other occasion where you can replicate that feeling. It’s not just for yourself; it’s much more than that,” she emphasized. Her previous medals, silver and bronze, also hold a special place in her heart. “Most of the time, if you come in second at an event or finish in the Top 10, you might think, ‘Maybe I should have done this or that better.’ You start comparing yourself,” she explained. “But in the Olympics, you’re not second and third; you’re a Bronze, Silver, or Gold medalist. You’re not ranking yourself the same way. When I came in second at any other event, I haven’t had the same feeling as I did coming in Silver at the Olympics. Sometimes a win doesn’t mean you’re the one holding the trophy.”

A Hall of Fame Induction
Ko’s induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame was another landmark achievement in her storied career. This rare honor is shared by only a select few, and when asked how it resonated with her journey, she reflected, “I didn’t grow up thinking that I would become a Hall of Famer; I felt like that was out of my league.” She acknowledged that reaching such heights wasn’t merely about being ranked number one; it was about overcoming the ups and downs that each season brought.

“People tell me I’ve worked hard for this, but I feel everyone works hard. I can’t name a single person that doesn’t,” Ko said. “ I feel that I’ve been fortunate in timing with opportunities that have given me this chance. I know that not everybody is given the time, so I feel like I’m living in a fairy tale.” she added, affirming the joy and gratitude she feels for her career.

Third Major Win at St. Andrews
Securing her third Major title at the AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews was yet another monumental accomplishment for Ko. As she looked back on her career, she shared, “I won my first two major championships in my first three years on tour. When you win, it doesn’t come easily, but at the same time, I didn’t realize I wouldn’t win another Major for eight years.” The long wait for her next victory made her appreciate the moment even more. “At the time, I felt I should be grateful that I am able to call myself a Major Champion. If it doesn’t happen again, my two Majors are still something that no one can take away from me.”

After her Olympic victory, Ko spoke with her coach about her future goals. “I said I would love to win one more Major before I’m done. Little did I know that would happen just two weeks later.” The excitement of winning at St. Andrews was overwhelming. “Down the final stretch, I didn’t think I was actually going to win,” she admitted. “It was such a special gift to win. I thought, what are the odds I’m going to get this gift again, especially with so many of my family members there?” Winning at St. Andrews, the home of golf, “it literally couldn’t have been better than that.”

Beyond The Green
When asked which accomplishment holds the most significance for her, Ko likened it to a challenging decision: “It’s like asking if you like your Mother better or your Father better. Every win, every moment, is special in its own way.” Competing in the Olympics, in particular, stands out to her. “What I love about it is you’re there because you’re honored to represent your country at the biggest sporting event. No matter if you win a medal or not, you’re a champion just to be there. Not every athlete gets to say they’re an Olympian.”

Outside the realm of golf, Ko finds joy in music and fitness. “I’ve always liked listening to music and working out,” she said, noting that her dedication to fitness grew when she faced challenges on the course. “It was a stress reliever and it was beneficial for golf.” Recently, she and her husband adopted a Shiba Inu puppy named Kai, who has added a new dimension of happiness to their lives. “He’s given me so much joy and excitement,” she said. “I never grew up with a dog, so I didn’t know what it was like. When I came home from events, no matter if I had a good day or not, he was there, excited to see me. It’s the best feeling ever.”

Inspirations and Reflections
Ko draws inspiration from fellow athletes, particularly Simone Biles. After watching Biles’ documentary, she felt a deep connection to the challenges Biles faced and overcame. “I was so inspired,” Ko said. “Hearing from someone of her caliber, what she went through, and how she came back to dominate again in Paris was truly inspiring.” One quote from Biles resonated deeply with her: “I get to write my own ending.” “That’s what I’ve been telling myself, since I’m closer to the end than when I was a rookie”.

As she contemplates her future in golf, Ko acknowledges her desire to leave the game while still playing well. “I know for a fact I’m probably never playing past 30,” she admitted recently to ESPN. “What has happened in the last few weeks doesn’t change my timeline. I want to leave the game while I’m still playing well.” Despite the pressures of competition, she recognizes that golf is just one part of her identity. “To know that golf doesn’t complete me,” she said thoughtfully, “golf is just part of me, but that’s not me as a whole.”

When asked to describe herself in three words, Ko chose “weird,” “competitive,” and “a foodie.” “Weird—my husband says that to me all the time,” she laughed. “Competitive, and a foodie.”

Lydia Ko’s extraordinary year is a tribute to her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her career. As she continues to inspire both on and off the greens, the world watches eagerly for what Ko will achieve next. With only five tournaments left in the season, excitement builds. Will she add more accolades to her already impressive list of achievements? Will she retire? Whatever lies ahead, it’s clear that Lydia Ko’s story is far from over.