Golf is no longer a sport dominated solely by men. Over the past two decades, the global golf stage has been increasingly shaped by the rise of talented women golfers—athletes who combine technical mastery, strong competitive mentality, and remarkable achievements. Not only have they brought pride to their countries, these women have also inspired younger generations to explore a sport rich in strategy, precision, and mental endurance.
Presented by GoGolf, here are five of the most influential and accomplished women golfers contributing significantly to the evolution of modern golf.
1. Ryu So Yeon – Consistency and Champion’s Mentality from South Korea
Ryu So Yeon is widely known for her strong technical foundation, consistent performance, and champion-level mindset. Born on 29 June 1990 in South Korea, Ryu was introduced to golf at a young age. She turned professional at 17—an early move that demonstrated her confidence in her capabilities and aspirations.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2008, when she won The American Cactus Tour, marking her first professional victory. From that point forward, Ryu’s career accelerated dramatically. She became one of the most productive players on the LPGA Tour, collecting 17 international titles to date.
Ryu reached the pinnacle of her career on 25 June 2017, when she officially claimed the World No. 1 spot in the Women’s World Golf Ranking. This achievement showcased not only her ability to outperform the best players in the world, but also her remarkable consistency in elite tournaments.
Her playing style is admired for its elegance and precision. Exceptional green accuracy, sharp course management, and unshakeable calm under pressure are among the key traits that make Ryu one of the most respected players in women’s golf. Her career journey demonstrates that hard work, structured training, and resilience can propel any golfer to the top of the sport.
2. Cheyenne Woods – Golfing Talent from a Legendary Family
Cheyenne Woods comes from a family deeply rooted in golf history. She is the niece of Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers of all time. Born on 25 July 1990 in the United States, Cheyenne began playing golf at age five, supported by a family environment that strongly encouraged her passion for the game.
Despite her famous surname, Cheyenne built her own career through personal merit and dedication. She turned professional in 2012 and joined the LPGA Tour in 2015. Impressively, she became only the sixth African-American woman to compete on the LPGA Tour—an important milestone in the sport’s diversity and representation.
One of her standout moments was recording eight birdies in 18 holes during an LPGA Tour event—an exceptional achievement even among seasoned professionals. Although she has not yet broken into the world’s top rankings, Cheyenne remains an inspiration for her determination, professionalism, and role in expanding representation within the sport.
Her steady progress reflects the reality that success in golf—regardless of heritage—requires hard work, consistency, and a strong competitive spirit.
3. Lydia Ko – The Youngest Phenomenon to Reach World No. 1
Lydia Ko is one of the most iconic figures in modern golf, known not only for her exceptional talent but also her history-making achievements at a remarkably young age. Born on 24 April 1997 in Seoul, South Korea, Lydia later moved to and represented New Zealand.
She started golf early and immediately displayed prodigious ability. Lydia made history by debuting on the LPGA Tour at just 14 years old. In 2015, at 17 years old, she became the World No. 1, breaking multiple age-related records and redefining what young athletes could achieve in professional golf.
Before turning 18, Lydia had already secured two LPGA Tour victories, making her the youngest player ever to do so. A day before her 17th birthday, she was named in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, a rare honor for such a young athlete.
Today, Lydia remains one of the elite players on tour, currently ranked ninth in the world. Her consistent performance, exceptional course reading skills, and calmness under pressure continue to make her a dominant force and a role model for aspiring golfers worldwide.
4. Lexi Thompson – A Prodigy with the Youngest U.S. Women’s Open Qualification
Lexi Thompson is an American golfer who etched her name in history as the youngest player ever to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Open, achieving this milestone at just 12 years old. Born in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1995, she turned professional in 2010 and quickly captured attention with her aggressive and confident style of play.
Since turning pro, Lexi has won multiple prestigious titles on the LPGA Tour. Her highest world ranking—No. 3—solidified her position as one of the most formidable competitors in women’s golf.
Lexi is renowned for her powerful long drives and strong control around the greens. Her physical strength, technically polished swing, and strategic approach make her a consistent contender in major tournaments.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Lexi is also known for her philanthropic involvement and dedication to promoting golf among young players. She regularly participates in junior clinics and initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation and visibility in the sport.
5. Sung Hyun Park – A Rising Champion from South Korea
Sung Hyun Park is one of South Korea’s brightest young stars, gaining global attention after winning the U.S. Women’s Open in July 2017. Born on 21 September 1993, Park is admired for her fearless, attacking style of play.
Her U.S. Women’s Open victory propelled her to World No. 2, right behind fellow Korean Ryu So Yeon. At a relatively young age, Park also became one of the highest-earning players on the KLPGA (Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association).
Park’s trademark is her explosive long-distance shots paired with sharp course strategy. Her poise under pressure, especially during major events, has been a major contributor to her rapid rise.
She is known for her disciplined training routines, detailed course preparation, and constant desire to improve—qualities that signal a long and successful future in professional golf.
Conclusion – A Golden Generation of Women’s Golf
These five women are not only champions at the highest level—they are pioneers who continue to inspire countless fans and young golfers worldwide.
From Ryu So Yeon’s remarkable consistency, Cheyenne Woods’ groundbreaking representation, Lydia Ko’s record-breaking dominance, Lexi Thompson’s prodigy-level achievements, to Sung Hyun Park’s major championship brilliance—each of them showcases how golf thrives at the intersection of talent, discipline, and champion mentality.
Their journeys reflect what makes golf special: a sport where skill, patience, and unwavering determination create legacies that transcend generations.
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