Lydia Ko Makes History with Gold Medal Win in Olympic Women’s Golf

Lydia Ko has done it again! The 27-year-old golfer from New Zealand has etched her name in the history books by winning the gold medal in the 2024 Olympic Women’s Golf competition at Le Golf National in France. With this victory, Ko has become the first golfer to win an Olympic medal of every color—gold, silver, and bronze—solidifying her place among the greatest in the sport.
Ko entered the final round of the tournament tied for the lead, determined to claim the top spot on the podium. Her front-nine performance was nothing short of spectacular, with three birdies that put her in the lead. However, the pressure of Olympic competition can test even the best, and Ko faced a setback on the 13th hole when she double-bogeyed, reducing her three-shot lead to just one over Germany’s Esther Henseleit.
Despite the challenge, Ko remained composed, especially through the tricky, water-lined closing holes of Le Golf National. She made four straight pars to maintain her narrow lead. Then, on the par-5 18th hole, Ko played smartly, laying up before hitting a wedge to within six feet of the pin. She calmly sank the birdie putt to secure a two-shot victory and the gold medal.
Esther Henseleit of Germany took home the silver medal, finishing just two shots behind Ko with a total score of 8 under par. China’s Xiyu Lin claimed the bronze medal, finishing another shot back at 7 under par.
Ko’s victory is not just a personal achievement; it’s a momentous occasion for New Zealand sports. She adds this gold medal to her previous Olympic accolades, having won a silver medal in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2021. By completing the medal set, Ko has achieved something no other golfer has managed in Olympic history. Moreover, the win has earned her enough career points to meet the LPGA’s Hall of Fame criteria, ensuring her legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
For the United States, the 2024 Olympics were a bit of a disappointment. Defending gold medalist Nelly Korda finished at 1 under par, failing to mount a serious challenge for a podium spot. Rising star Rose Zhang, who played in the final group, struggled with a 74 in the final round and missed out on the bronze by three shots. Meanwhile, Lilia Vu finished the tournament at 5 over par, rounding out a tough event for the American team.
The final standings of the 2024 Olympic Women’s Golf competition reflect the intense competition and skill displayed by the top players:
- GOLD: Lydia Ko, New Zealand (-10)
- SILVER: Esther Henseleit, Germany (-8)
- BRONZE: Xiyu Lin, China (-7)
Lydia Ko’s historic win at the 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a defining moment in golf. Her journey from a young prodigy to an Olympic champion across three different games is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and love for the game. As she continues her career, Ko’s legacy in golf is now firmly established, with Olympic gold as a shining crown.