Lydia Ko Biography: Height, Age, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Parents, Religion, Medals, Husband

Dame Lydia Ko DNZM OLY, professionally known as Lydia Ko, is a New Zealand professional golfer widely regarded as one of the most accomplished in LPGA history.

A child prodigy who turned pro at 16, she became the youngest player to reach world No. 1 (at 17), the youngest LPGA winner (at 15 as an amateur), and the youngest inductee into the LPGA Hall of Fame (at 27 in 2024 after Olympic gold).

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Dame Lydia Ko DNZM OLY
• Stage Name: Lydia Ko
• Born: April 24, 1997
• Age: 28 years old
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Occupation: Professional Golfer
• Height: 1.67 m
• Parents: Ko Gil-hong, Hyeon Bong-sook
• Siblings: Sura Ko
• Spouse: Chung Jun (m. 2022)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $25 million

Early Life and Education

Lydia Ko was born on April 24, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea, to Ko Gil-hong and Hyeon Bong-sook.

Her family emigrated to New Zealand when she was four, settling in Auckland, where she gained citizenship at age 12.

She began golfing at five after her mother introduced her at Pupuke Golf Club, quickly showing prodigious talent under early coach Guy Wilson.

Ko attended Korea University but prioritized her professional career from her mid-teens. Her ethnicity is Korean, and her religion is unknown.

Career

Lydia Ko started golf at five and burst onto the scene as a teenager, winning the Canadian Women’s Open in 2012 at 15 as an amateur—the youngest LPGA winner ever and first amateur victor in 43 years.

She turned pro in 2014, claiming Rookie of the Year honors, and dominated early with multiple wins, reaching world No. 1 in 2015 at 17 (youngest ever, male or female) and earning Rolex Player of the Year that season.

Her first major came at the 2015 Evian Championship, followed by the 2016 ANA Inspiration.

After a form dip and equipment/coach changes, Ko rebuilt her game, winning again in 2022 and capturing Olympic silver (2016), bronze (2020), and gold (2024 Paris), becoming the only golfer with the full Olympic medal set and qualifying for LPGA Hall of Fame induction at 27.

She added her third major at the 2024 AIG Women’s Open and won the 2025 HSBC Women’s World Championship, marking her 23rd LPGA title.

Lydia Ko remains a top contender on the LPGA Tour into 2026, entering the season as an equipment free agent after her Proto Concept deal expired, opting for performance-based choices like a new Ping driver.

She defends her HSBC Women’s World Championship title, serves as an LPGA player director, and pursues further wins while mentoring young golfers and advocating for the sport’s growth in New Zealand and beyond.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @lydsko

Personal Life

Lydia Ko married Chung Jun—son of Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Ted Chung—on December 30, 2022, at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul after meeting on a blind date in 2020 and getting engaged in 2022.

The couple has no children and shares a home life with their Shiba Inu dog Kai, often posting wholesome family moments and anniversary tributes.

Based partly in Florida but with strong ties to New Zealand and Korea, Ko balances her career with family, travel, and giving back through scholarships and camps for aspiring Kiwi golfers.

Net Worth

Lydia Ko has an estimated net worth of $25 million. Her primary sources of income include official LPGA career earnings exceeding $21 million from prize money across 23 wins and consistent top finishes, plus substantial endorsements from global brands that have made her one of the highest-earning female golfers.