Lydia Ko wraps up LPGA rookie award It might be a while before Lydia Ko's name gets mentioned without the word "youngest" attached to it. The 17-year-old is already ranked as the youngest winner and the youngest millionaire in LPGA history. Now she has locked up rookie-of-the-year honors, becoming the youngest player to earn that award. "It's really been a dream rookie season for me," she said. I learned so much and am glad to have achieved some of my goals along the way. With two victories and two runner-up finishes this season, Ko has built an insurmountable lead in the race for the points-based rookie award. Born in Korea and raised in New Zealand, she had previously won twice on the women's tour as an amateur. The latest rankings put her at No. 3 in the world with three events remaining on the LPGA schedule.