Meet the Top 5 Women Changing the Game of Golf
By: Kelsey Erwin-Formaneck
March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate women’s incredible contributions across all industries, including the game of golf.
At GolfNow, we spotlight the top five women making history on the course. These elite players dominate leaderboards, redefine excellence, and inspire the next generation of golfers. Let’s look at the stars shaping women’s golf’s future!
1. Nelly Korda (USA)
Born in Bradenton, Florida, Nelly Korda comes from a family of elite athletes—her father, Petr Korda, won the 1998 Australian Open in tennis. She took up golf at a young age and turned professional in 2016, quickly rising through the ranks. In 2021, Nelly reached the No. 1 spot in the Women’s World Golf Rankings and won Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games. Her powerful swing and consistent performances have cemented her as a dominant force in women’s golf.
2. Atthaya “Jeeno” Thitikul (Thailand)
Atthaya Thitikul, from Ratchaburi, Thailand, made history at 14 by becoming the youngest golfer ever to win a professional tournament. She turned pro in 2020 and has become one of the brightest stars on the LPGA Tour. Atthaya, now known as “Jeeno,” changed her name to nod to her family heritage and to make it easier for people to remember, she told Golfweek.
In 2022, she reached the No. 1 world ranking, showcasing her fearless play and natural talent. Thitikul inspires young golfers by proving that talent and determination can break barriers at any age.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, but raised in New Zealand, Lydia Ko was a golf prodigy from an early age. At just 17, she became the youngest player ever to reach No. 1 in the Women’s World Golf Rankings. Ko has won 22 LPGA Tour events, including two major championships.
Ko also has finished in the top 10 over 112 times. Renowned for her precision and strategic approach, Ko struck gold at the Paris Olympics. Two weeks later, she collected her third career major at the AIG Women’s British Open at St. Andrews effortlessly.
Ko is also making waves in the fashion world, recently gracing the pages of Vogue Korea. This powerful move highlights the message that female athletes can embrace multiple dimensions of their identity, proving they are not just about sports but also style and grace.
READ MORE: Lydia Ko reflects on Vogue, Paris, and more >
Ruoning Yin, from Shanghai, China, is one of women’s golf’s most exciting young talents. After turning pro in 2020, she quickly made a name for herself with strong performances on both the China LPGA Tour and LPGA Tour. In 2023, she won the Women’s PGA Championship, becoming only the second Chinese golfer to claim a major title.
Recently, Yin has shattered records, including the scoring record at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club’s 72-hole tournament, which was first set in 2019 by Danielle Kang. Yin’s composure and fearless play pave the way for a new era of women’s golf in China.
READ MORE: Yin & Jeeno on friendship and competition >
California native Lilia Vu’s journey to the top was not without challenges. After a stellar amateur career, she initially struggled as a professional but fought back, earning her LPGA Tour card in 2021. Since then, she has secured multiple victories, including a major championship in 2023.
Vu has been vocal about the mental challenges that golf brings and how family has held her down through the years. She is incredibly proud, especially of her grandfather’s sacrifices in migrating their family to the U.S. after the Vietnam War.
Her resilience and determination have made her an inspiration, proving that perseverance is key to success in professional golf.