WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Renowned golfer Lydia Ko has been recognized as a Dame in New Zealand’s New Year honors list due to her significant contributions to the sport of golf.

This honor, equivalent to a knighthood for women, elevates her to the title of Dame Lydia Ko, as she was bestowed one of New Zealand’s premier civil awards on Tuesday.

At the age of 27, Ko is now the youngest individual from New Zealand to receive this esteemed recognition.

Originally from Korea, Ko achieved notable success by winning the gold medal in the women’s golf competition at the recent Paris Olympics. Additionally, she made history in 2024 as the 35th and youngest inductee into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Ko previously earned a bronze medal during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and secured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, further solidifying her reputation on the international stage.

In a citation that accompanied the honors list, Ko was acknowledged as New Zealand’s most accomplished golfer, boasting 30 professional wins, which includes three major championships.

Her journey in golf began in 2012 when she became the youngest player ever, regardless of gender, to win a professional tournament by clinching the women’s New South Wales Open in Australia at just 14 years old.

The following year, at 15, she set another record as the youngest player to win an LPGA tour event. By February 2015, at 17 years and just over 9 months, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest player, male or female, to hold the No. 1 spot in the world rankings.

Currently, Ko resides in Orlando, Florida, where she continues her professional golf career.