News from the world of golf! On Sunday at the Canadian Women's Open, 15-year-old Lydia Ko became the youngest-ever winner in LPGA Tour history: 15-year-old Ko becomes youngest LPGA Tour winner.
Currently the world's top-ranked female amateur, the young South Korean-born New Zealander closed with a 5-under 67 for a three-stroke victory over Inbee Park. Whipping the competition as an amateur and just 15 years old? Dang.
Ko finished at 13-under 275 at The Vancouver Golf Club, pulling away with birdies on five of the first six holes on the back nine. She opened with consecutive 68s and shot a 72 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead into the final round.Ko's victory breaks the previous age record set by 16-year-old Lexi Thompson last year in the Navistar LPGA Classic in Alabama. She is also the first amateur winner since JoAnne Carner in the 1969 Burdine's Invitational. More here: Lydia Ko: Teen protégé on course for golfing glory.
Ko made it clear again that she has no plans to rush into a professional golf career.
"I'll still remain an amateur and then finish high school and then go to college," said Ko, who has mentioned Stanford as her college of choice. "I mean this is a great win, but I don't think this will affect me changing my routes to my career."
Alas, no prize money for young Lydia. As an amateur she is not allowed to accept sponsors or prize money, so she couldn't claim the $300,000 first-place check. She's got time, and I have a feeling there will be future check with her name on them.
