Ko becomes youngest ever golf world No 1

The 17-year-old attains ranking despite coming second in LPGA event


Afp February 01, 2015
Ko eclipsed the age marks of South Korean Shin Ji-Yai, who was the youngest prior women's world number one at age 22 in 2010, and US star Tiger Woods, who was 21 when he ascended to number one for the first time in 1997. PHOTO: AFP

ORLANDO: New Zealand teen star Lydia Ko became golf's youngest-ever world number one even though she only settled for a share of second at the season-opening LPGA Coates Championship.

The South Korean-born prodigy took the top spot at 17 years, nine months and seven days.

"It's a big honour to be the world number one," said Ko. "To have that honour by my name, I can't believe it."

Ko eclipsed the age marks of South Korean Shin Ji-Yai, who was the youngest prior women's world number one at age 22 in 2010, and US star Tiger Woods, who was 21 when he ascended to number one for the first time in 1997.

"Woods, he's amazing," said Ko. "I just try to have fun out there and I just came into the ranking. I'll try to keep focused and worry about doing better instead of centring my thoughts on the ranking."

Ko squandered a four-stroke lead and struggled on the final holes to help South Korean Choi Na-Yeon capture the title on 16-under par 272 with Ko, American Jessica Korda and South Korean Jang Ha-Na sharing second on 273.

Despite a double bogey at 17 and a struggle just to close with a par, Ko did just enough to overtake Park In-Bee for the top ranking after the South Korean shared 13th on 284.

"When I heard the news I kind of went, 'Really?' and made a face," said Ko. "It was tough finishing with the last two holes like that."

 

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