Lydia Ko, who had one of the most headline grabbing seasons in recent golf history, received one last honor to close out 2024.
Ko was named by the New Zealand government as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit on December 31st, becoming the youngest woman ever to receive the highest civilian honor at 27-years-old.
The New Zealand Order of Merit was founded by Queen Elizabeth II. Ko is the second golfer from New Zealand to be honored, after Bob Charles, who was honored in 1999.
Ko is a 22-time LPGA Tour champion, who also has three major titles and three Olympic Medals. In 2024, Ko won her third major at the AIG Women’s Open just a couple weeks after winning her first gold medal in Paris. With these accomplishments, she earned the necessary points to gain entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Ko is the winningest golfer in the country’s history and is one of its most iconic athletes. Earlier this December, Ko won the Lonsdale Cup, which is awarded to the athlete or team that has made the most outstanding contribution to an Olympic or Commonwealth sport. This was the second time Ko won that award.
