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Lydia Ko’s successful defence of her Canadian Open title on Sunday will make her ‘think’ more about turning professional, but the trophy and $300,000 in foregone prize-money would not hasten her decision, New Zealand’s 16-year-old golf sensation said.
Ko became the first amateur to defend an LPGA title with a commanding five-stroke win at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in Edmonton, but second-placed Frenchwoman Karine Icher will take the winner’s cheque.
Ko has had four other top-10 finishes on the tour this season, giving up hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizemoney, but said in February this year she would take another two years before going pro.
“You know, I’ve always said I’m thinking about it and that’s the same answer right here,” Ko said after winning her second LPGA title with a sparkling final round six-under 64.
“Nothing has changed within the last 72 hours. I’m happy at the moment. I think this win will make us think a little better, and think, what is a good option right now.”
Ko became the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour when she won last year’s Canadian Open at the age of 15 years, four months and two days.
She underlined her quality by becoming the youngest winner on the European Tour by clinching the co-sanctioned New Zealand Open in February.
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Places are filling up quickly in the Royal Golf Academy’s popular Junior Golf Programme which gets underway next month with a new six-week-long series of one-hour classes aimed at creating long-term athletic development and golf improvement.
Youngsters enrolled in the programme will take part in both physical and mental activities appropriate to their biological age, gaining strength, speed, agility, balance and confidence.
Families can choose to sign up for Friday or Saturday morning classes or Tuesday evening classes, beginning from Friday, September 27.
The programme costs BD80 per child inclusive of all equipment and is suitable for complete beginners through to those with lots of previous experience.
To reserve a place, call the Royal Golf Academy on 17750777.
