Top 10 Female Golfers from New Zealand Who Shaped the Game
New Zealand may be a small nation, but when it comes to women’s golf, it has produced talent that resonates on the world stage. From trailblazers of the early 20th century to global icons like Lydia Ko, these golfers have elevated the sport, inspired new generations, and built a legacy that continues to grow.
In this article, we highlight the Top 10 female golfers from New Zealand, their achievements, and their impact on the game.
1. Lydia Ko
When talking about New Zealand golf, one name stands above the rest: Lydia Ko.
LPGA victories: 23 and counting
Major championships: 3 (2015 Evian, 2016 ANA Inspiration, 2024 Women’s British Open)
Olympic success: Silver in Rio 2016, bronze in Tokyo 2021, and gold in Paris 2024 – completing the full set of Olympic medals.
Records: Youngest-ever world number one (male or female) and the youngest inductee into the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Her consistency, resilience, and global profile make her not only New Zealand’s greatest female golfer but one of the most influential figures in women’s golf history.
2. Lynnette Brooky
A cornerstone of New Zealand women’s golf in the 1990s and 2000s.
Professional since: 1994
Career wins: 9 professional titles, including 4 Ladies European Tour victories
International representation: Represented NZ at the Women’s World Cup of Golf
Legacy: Transitioned into coaching, mentoring the next generation of golfers.
Brooky proved that Kiwi women could thrive on international tours long before Lydia Ko entered the spotlight.
3. Cathryn Bristow
A steady competitor who has flown the NZ flag across Europe and Australia.
Professional since: 2009
Career wins: 4 professional titles, including ALPG Tour victories
Tours played: Ladies European Tour and ALPG Tour
While not as decorated as Ko or Brooky, Bristow has been a consistent presence on professional circuits, contributing to the visibility of NZ women’s golf.
4. Phillis Meti
Known as the “queen of distance,” Phillis Meti has carved her own path.
World Long Drive Championships: Winner in 2006, 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2024
World records: Longest drive recorded at 413 yards
Unique influence: Though not a traditional tour competitor, her dominance in long drive competitions has brought global recognition to New Zealand golf.
Her power off the tee has made her a fan favorite and a pioneer in a specialized niche of the game.
5. Fiona Xu
One of the brightest young talents in women’s golf today.
Born: 2004, Auckland
Turned pro: 2023
Breakthrough: Winner of the Copper Rock Championship on the Epson Tour (2025 LPGA graduation)
Amateur career: Won the Australian Amateur in 2022, following in Lydia Ko’s footsteps.
Xu symbolizes the future of NZ golf, showing that the next generation is ready to carry the torch internationally.
6. Oliver Hollis
A historic figure and pioneer in the early 20th century.
Dominated New Zealand women’s golf between the 1920s and 1950s.
Multiple national championships, setting the foundation for the sport’s growth.
Hollis is often referred to as one of the most influential early champions in NZ women’s golf history.
7. Eileen Hope Williams
Another early trailblazer.
Recognized as one of the leaders of women’s golf in mid-20th century New Zealand.
Played a vital role in raising the profile of women’s competitions nationwide.
Her influence extended beyond wins, serving as a role model during a time when women’s sports were rarely celebrated.
8. Joyce Carpenter
A respected amateur champion.
Competed at the highest national levels.
Helped shape the amateur golf scene in New Zealand.
Carpenter’s legacy lies in paving the way for competitive female golfers in NZ during the mid-1900s.
9. Jillian Smith
Known regionally for her competitive edge.
Prominent in local and national tournaments.
Contributed to maintaining a vibrant women’s amateur golf scene in NZ.
Though not as widely documented, her efforts ensured continuity in the game’s development.
10. Joyce Helleur
Another influential name from New Zealand’s amateur era.
Represented the strength of regional competitions.
Left a mark through national appearances and community-level contributions.
Helleur, along with her peers, kept women’s golf active during decades when global exposure was limited.
The Legacy of Women’s Golf in New Zealand
From Lydia Ko’s global dominance to Fiona Xu’s rising potential and the foundational work of pioneers like Hollis and Williams, New Zealand has produced female golfers who shaped both the local and international landscape.
These athletes not only collected trophies but also inspired generations of girls to pick up the game. Their stories reflect resilience, innovation, and national pride—proof that even a small nation can make a big impact on the world stage of golf.
