Dame Lydia Ko’s Biggest Accolade: How Did the Hall of Famer Qualify for New Zealand’s Highest Honor?
2024 just keeps getting better for Lydia Ko. The Olympic gold medalist was awarded the highest civilian honor of her country. You can call her Dame Lydia Ko now. The 27-year-old is the youngest to receive the National Honor.
The Cabinet Office of the New Zealand government said in its official announcement, “Lydia Ko is New Zealand’s most successful golfer with 30 professional victories, including having won three major championships, 22 LPGA tournaments, and three Olympic medals in her golfing career.”
Per the official website of the New Zealand government, the emphasis lies on the “service to the community or nation, and on merit and achievement, in whatever field, going beyond the normal requirements of duty or office.” Three times a year the honors lists are issued. Ko received the one on New Year’s Eve (December 30/31). Other than this, on the first Monday of June, honoring The King’s Birthday, the Kiwi government issues the list. The third one is a special list of bravery and gallantry awards.
