Lydia Ko Wins her First Tournament as a Professional

It only took two goes for New Zealand sensation Lydia Ko to prove turning professional early was a winning decision. The 16-year-old has claimed her first title at Taiwan’s Swinging Skirts World Ladies Masters, a location with a lot of meaning for the young golfer.

“I haven't had that many opportunities to play in Asia,” she said afterwards. “I played a lot of tournaments in the States and in Australia, so it's great to have my first professional win here in Asia because my background is obviously Asian Korean.”

While it’s not Ko’s first victory, it does mark the first time she can collect the winner’s purse. A Sunday round of 69 with a total of 205 for the weekend means Ko became the rightful winner of $150,000 USD.

“I certainly didn't expect to win in my second professional tournament.”

Adding, “I wasn't really sure I would win until the tap-in on the 18th hole.”

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