
Reigning Olympic golf champion, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko has joined the Maui Jim ‘Ohana’ (family), with the high-performance sunglass company announcing she has signed a two-year deal to become an official brand ambassador.
Dame Lydia Ko DNZM is a global golf icon, who first reached number one in 2015 at 17 years, nine months and nine days of age, making her the youngest player of either gender to be ranked number one in professional golf.
The New Zealand native has amassed an impressive record, with 22 victories on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour, including three Majors. Last year, she earned a place in the LPGA Hall of Fame, winning 2024 Olympic gold in Paris and the British Open at St. Andrews.
Ko was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year Honours, for services to golf. She is believed to be the youngest dame or knight of the modern era.
Their sunglasses elevate my experience on the golf course with cutting-edge technology, all while maintaining a stylish design
An Elevated Experience
As an official brand ambassador, Ko will wear Maui Jim’s high-performance sunglasses on and off the course, showcasing a game advantage to active golfers and a broader audience of open-air sports enthusiasts.
In a statement, the Hawaiian-based Maui Jim company said Ko’s “unwavering dedication to achieving excellence, on the fairways and beyond, embodies Maui Jim’s commitment to pioneering innovation and delivering exceptional outdoor eyewear for an active lifestyle”.
Maui Jim is part of the Kering Eyewear portfolio and Kering Eyewear President and CEO Roberto Vedovotto said he was “super proud to welcome Lydia Ko to the Maui Jim family”.
“Her excellence and commitment to always be the best embody the spirit of our brand, and we look forward to supporting her as she continues to inspire golfers worldwide.”
Ko also expressed excitement for the partnership, saying she has worn and trusted the Maui Jim sunglass brand for years.
“Their sunglasses elevate my experience on the golf course with cutting-edge technology, all while maintaining a stylish design. I am thrilled to kick off a new year of tournaments with this new partner that consistently strives for excellence and that I am truly proud to represent.”
The multi-year partnership officially teed off with Ko’s appearance as a guest of the brand at the Professional Golfers Association Tradeshow in Florida, earlier this week.