New Zealand teenager Lydia Ko made history as she won the Canadian Women&aposs Open in Edmonton for the second time. The 16-year-old carded an extraordinary final round of 64 to finish on 15 under – five shots clear of France&aposs Karine Ircher. Ko became the youngest winner of an LPGA event last year at 15 years of age and in winning the same tournament again, became the first amateur in history to win two LPGA events. Starting the day one stroke behind, Ko dominated the Royal Mayfair course early in her round, finishing with five birdies on the front nine. The youngster secured two more birdies on the run in including capping off victory with a curled 16-foot putt on the final hole. “I hit a really good drive on one and I kept it to the fairway, and I think that kind of got my momentum going,” Ko said. “I was in a little bit more of a pressure position (as defending champion), so I was really happy with my 64.” LPGA rules dictate the US$300,000 winning cheque goes to Icher because of Ko&aposs amateur status. It now means that Ko has foregone over US$1m in prizemoney over the past year and she is now considering asking the LPGA for an exemption to let her turn professional. “I&aposve got some people above me like my mom and dad and they&aposre the boss, and they&aposre going to help me definitely make the right decision to turn pro at what time,” Ko said. “As I&aposm only 16 it&aposs quite hard to make huge decisions and when I turn pro it&aposs like a job, where money is all about it and every shot counts.” Icher was stunned by Ko&aposs ability at such a young age and joked that the natural improvement from the New Zealander will be feared in the future. “She&aposs amazing to be 16 years old and to win twice – she has no fear, I guess,” Icher said. “As an amateur and so young, it&aposs great for women&aposs golf, but not so great for us (on tour).”
Author: Omnisport