In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, recognizing the extraordinary impact women have had in various fields, including the world of golf. At GolfNow, we’re shining a light on five remarkable women reshaping the landscape of this sport. These trailblazers are not just topping charts, but they are also setting new standards for excellence and inspiring future golfers. Let’s dive into their stories and see how they are crafting the future of women’s golf.
Let’s start with Nelly Korda from the U.S. Growing up in Bradenton, Florida, Nelly comes from a lineage of athletes, with her father, Petr Korda, having clinched the Australian Open in tennis back in 1998. Nelly picked up golf as a child and turned pro by 2016. By 2021, she soared to the No. 1 spot in the Women’s World Golf Rankings and grabbed an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. Known for her powerful swing and reliable performance, Nelly is truly a tour de force in women’s golf today. If you’re curious about how Nelly is nurturing future talent, check out The Nelly Invitational.
Next up is Thailand’s Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul. Hailing from Ratchaburi, Atthaya became a history-maker at merely 14, becoming the youngest golfer to win a professional tournament. Turning professional in 2020, she has quickly become a standout star on the LPGA Tour. “Jeeno,” as she’s now known—a name change she made to honor her family roots and make it easy to remember—reached the pinnacle of world rankings by 2022. Her daring gameplay and innate talent make her an inspiration for young golfers everywhere.
Then there’s Lydia Ko from New Zealand. Though born in Seoul, South Korea, Lydia was raised in New Zealand and showcased her golfing prowess early on. At 17, she became the youngest player to achieve the No. 1 ranking in women’s golf. With 22 LPGA Tour victories under her belt, she claimed gold at the Paris Olympics and bagged her third major at St. Andrews shortly after. Known for her precision and smart play, Lydia isn’t just a phenom in sports but also in fashion, following a recent feature in Vogue Korea.
Turning to China, we have Ruoning Yin. From bustling Shanghai, Ruoning is turning heads as one of golf’s exhilarating young talents. After going pro in 2020, she’s made waves both in China and on the LPGA Tour. By securing the Women’s PGA Championship in 2023, she became the second Chinese golfer to win a major title. Breaking records at Qizhong Garden Golf Club, Ruoning is defining a new chapter for women’s golf in China.
Finally, Lilia Vu from the U.S. rounds out our list. From the heart of California, Lilia’s climb to the top hasn’t been short of hurdles. Despite early professional struggles, she earned her LPGA Tour card in 2021, eventually claiming numerous victories, including a major win in 2023. Lilia speaks openly about the mental challenges of golf and draws strength from her family’s journey, led by her grandfather’s courageous decision to migrate to the U.S. post-Vietnam War. Her story is a testament to determination and pride.
For anyone eager to delve deeper into the world of these exceptional athletes and learn more about their personal journeys and breakthroughs, there are more stories to explore about each one. Whether it’s about family heritage, enduring friendships, or finding their own paths to success, these women are not just playing the game—they’re revolutionizing it.
