When it comes to golfers, their traditional attire of golf clothes and hats is almost as characteristic as their swing. Yet, there’s something thrilling about seeing these athletes step out of their comfort zone and into something a little more glamorous. This was the case with World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who recently graced the cover of Sports Illustrated. Now, it’s Lydia Ko’s turn to take the fashion world by storm.
The New Zealand golfer recently ditched her golf clubs for haute couture as the cover star of Vogue Korea’s March 2025 issue. The issue, which honors trailblazing women across various industries under the “Women and Work: Vogue Leaders” campaign, features Ko among 22 other inspiring women. On revealing her cover, Ko took to Instagram, expressing her disbelief and gratitude for the opportunity.
Her transformation was so striking that even Ko herself was taken aback. She admitted to studying videos of runway walks on YouTube, though she was quick to clarify that she won’t be trading her golf shoes for high heels any time soon. The experience, she noted, was an eye-opener to the hard work models put into their craft.
However, Ko’s foray into high-fashion wasn’t without its comedic moments. Unfamiliar with the intricacies of fashion, she confessed to wearing her cover shoot dress backward initially. Despite this minor hiccup, she praised the team’s keen eye for bringing out the beauty in unconventional ways.
The response to Ko’s glamorous feature was overwhelming, with fans and fellow golfers alike showering her with praise. Jessica Korda, a golfer known for her style, was one of the first to commend Ko on her stunning new look. Similarly, style queen of the golf world, Michelle Wie West, couldn’t contain her excitement, enthusing in caps-lock, “YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!!!”
Former LPGA professional, Jane Park, suggested that Ko could add ‘modeling’ to her resume if she ever needed a side gig. Cheyenne Woods, Tiger Woods’ niece, kept her admiration simple with a heartfelt compliment. Suzann Pettersen, however, cut to the chase and dubbed Ko a “Hot Mama.”
Beyond the praises from her peers, fans also expressed their admiration for Ko. One fan’s comment encapsulated the sentiment perfectly, stating, “You not only model beauty but kindness, integrity, humility, honor, determination, and so many other outstanding qualities.”
In the end, Lydia Ko’s Vogue debut transcends the glamour and fashion. It’s a celebration of the person she is – a trailblazer making strides both on and off the golf course. This moment serves as a testament to her multifaceted persona, proving that she can ace not only her swing but also a high-fashion cover shoot.
