Fifteen-Year-Old Ko Creates History
Teenager Lydia Ko created history on Sunday after she became the youngest LPGA Tour winner with victory at the Canadian Women's Open.
American Lexi Thompson held the record when she won 2011 Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour victory at age 16, but Ko eclipsed that milestone as she is only 15 years and four months old.
The New Zealand amateur started the day with a slender one-shot lead over a group of four which included world number two Stacy Lewis and major winner Inbee Park.
However, there was barely any sign of nerves from the youngster as she carded a five-under-par 67, including four consecutive birdies on the back nine, to finish with a 13-under 275.
South Korean Park was second at 10-under with Jiyai Shin, Chella Choi and Na Yeon Choi another two shots adrift.
"It means a lot to me, it's a professional event and I just came to make the cut and play my best," the South Korean-born Ko told reporters. "But to win and get the trophy is amazing. It's been a great couple of weeks."
Ko won winner of the US Women's Amateur Championship earlier this month and she is also the youngest golfer to win a professional event as she won the New South Wales Open in January at the age of 14.
"No New Zealand woman has ever won on the LPGA tour before and in terms of significant golfing achievements this is probably the most significant by a New Zealand female golfer," New Zealand Golf (NZG) chief executive Dean Murphy told Reuters.
"It's not unexpected, but she does just dazzle us every time she plays. To win on the LPGA Tour, against a quality field is just a stunning achievement. We are so delighted."
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