Lydia Ko has become the youngest golfer to ever hold the top spot in the World Golf Rankings. Shattering the record held by a then 21-year-old Tiger Woods in 1997.
At just 17, Ko’s reputation as a mature and level-headed golfer proves she wise way beyond her years. A sentiment shared by many of her fellow LPGA competitors after the latest standings were revealed.
“Doesn’t surprise me. She’s very talented,” said two-time major winner Cristie Kerr.
With former number one Stacy Lewis adding, “I can’t say I’m surprised. It was just a matter of time. She’s playing some great golf right now and she’s confident. She’s rolling in putts and it’s good. She’s a good kid and a good person to see at the top of the world.”
Ko’s succession to the top comes after the 2015 opener at the Coates Golf Championship in Florida last weekend. Where the Callaway player finished runner-up to Na Yeon Choi.
True to form Ko has remained relatively cool regarding her latest achievement. Instead choosing to focus her attention on her next tournament, this weekend’s Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic.
“I think some of the best advice I got was from Stacy (Lewis) this morning, she said, concentrate on your game. It’s pretty awesome to be there, but you’re playing good golf and just don’t worry about everything else that goes on,” Ko told reporters earlier this week.
With her concentration firmly on her game there was one well-wisher who manage to rattle Ko earlier this week.
“I was surprised by the tweet from Lorde. She was Billboard chart No 1 with her song Royals and she sent me a tweet. I was like 'oh my God, oh my God.'”
Based on her game, we can only imagine this is the first of many high-profile admirers Ko will be winning over.
