Jin Young Ko’s Nationality

Jin Young Ko is a professional golfer from South Korea, born on July 7, 1995, in Seoul. She turned professional in 2013 and has since become one of the leading players on the LPGA Tour. As of July 2024, Ko has achieved a remarkable total of 26 professional wins, including 15 victories on the LPGA Tour and 2 major championships: the ANA Inspiration (now known as the Chevron Championship) and the Evian Championship, both won in 2019. Ko's best finishes in major championships include a tie for second at the U.S. Women's Open in 2020 and the Women's PGA Championship in 2024. In addition to her professional achievements, she represented South Korea in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, finishing tied for ninth.

Ko has held the highest world ranking of 1, first achieving this status on April 1, 2019. She has set a record for the most weeks at World No. 1, totaling 163 weeks, surpassing the previous record of 158 weeks held by Lorena Ochoa. Throughout her career, Jin Young Ko has received numerous accolades, including the LPGA Rookie of the Year in 2018, LPGA Player of the Year in 2019 and 2021, and the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average in 2019. She has also been the LPGA Tour Money Leader for three consecutive years from 2019 to 2021.

What is Jin Young Ko’s Nationality?

Jin Young Ko’s nationality is South Korean.

She comes from a family with a diverse athletic background; her father, Sung Tae Ko, was a boxer, while her mother, Mi Kyung Kim, took up golf as an adult. Interestingly, neither of her parents introduced her to the sport during her early childhood. Instead, her grandfather, Ik Joo Ko, played a significant role in her life, fostering a close bond with her, according to the LPGA.

Jin Young's interest in golf was sparked in elementary school when she watched a replay of Se Ri Pak winning the U.S. Women’s Open. Inspired by this moment, she expressed a desire to try golfing, leading her father to take her to the driving range.

Jin Young Ko’s Hometown

Jin Young Ko's hometown is Seoul, South Korea. Ko's dedication to the sport grew as she worked hard on her game during her teenage years, ultimately leading her to become a professional at 18.

Jin Young Ko’s Birthplace

Ko was born in Seoul, South Korea on July 7, 1995. Her career highlights include winning the CME Group Tour Championship in 2020 and 2021, as well as the HSBC Women's World Championship in 2022 and 2023. Jin Young Ko's consistent performance and impressive statistics have solidified her position as one of the top golfers in the world.