Lydia Ko, the New Zealand golfer and LPGA Hall of Famer, shares her experience in Vogue Korea’s campaign, marking a shift into high fashion amid her continued success in golf.
Lydia Ko, the 27-year-old New Zealand golfer and LPGA Hall of Famer, has made waves not only for her athletic prowess but also for her recent foray into the world of high fashion. During a press conference held at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, Ko shared insights about her experience being featured in Vogue Korea’s prestigious “Vogue Leaders: 2024 Woman Now” campaign, which highlights 24 influential women across various industries, including Olympic figure skater Kim Yuna and actress Greta Lee.
In discussing her transformation for the Vogue cover, which marked a stark contrast to her typical golfing attire, Ko stated, “It was so much fun, and obviously my first experience, really, of being on a fashion magazine outside of golf clothes and my hat.” This opportunity came at a significant time in her career, particularly after she secured gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, completing an impressive medal trifecta that included silver from the Rio 2016 Games and bronze from Tokyo 2020, alongside her recent induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame as its youngest member.
Despite the glamor associated with her Vogue feature, Ko candidly expressed her views on modeling, saying, “I’m honestly not envious of the models that do this quite often. It’s a lot of work and a lot of people to make that cover shoot the way it is.” She described the Vogue cover as “literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” but clarified that modeling is not part of her future plans, reaffirming her commitment to her golf career, which has already seen her achieve 22 LPGA Tour victories over the last decade.
Ko’s high-fashion portrayal signals a broader trend among female golfers who are embracing opportunities within the fashion industry while retaining their competitive focus. Nelly Korda, the current world’s top-ranked female golfer, is another prominent figure who has ventured into this space, having appeared in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Her recent success in the 2024 season, during which she claimed seven LPGA titles, showcased her versatility and ease in front of the camera.
The crossover between golf and fashion is not limited to Ko and Korda. Other notable names such as Paige Spiranac and Michelle Wie West have also successfully navigated this dual pathway. Spiranac’s transition from competitive golf to social media influencer has garnered significant attention, particularly following her debut in the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue and her partnerships with major brands. Wie West further contributed to this trend with her 2023 retirement collection for Nike, showcasing innovative designs reflective of her personal style.
The implications of this trend extend beyond personal branding for the athletes involved. Ko’s Vogue Korea feature reportedly led to a 23% increase in brand engagement among women aged 18-34 for her sponsors, indicating the substantial economic benefits that accompany these ventures. The LPGA is witnessing a rise in visibility and financial growth, as more non-endemic sponsors enter the landscape, driven by the increasing prominence of figures like Ko and Korda.
As boundaries between sports and entertainment continue to blur, the trend of female golfers engaging in fashion and modeling appears poised to accelerate. Observers can expect an uptick in collaborations that not only enhance the visibility of the athletes but also reshape the cultural narrative surrounding women’s golf, combining competitive excellence with the allure of high fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
