Unfazed Ko just wants to have fun

World number one says expectations too high after record rise

SINGAPORE: Teenage sensation Lydia Ko said her record rise to world number one still hadn't sunk in and may never do as she heads into this week's HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore.

Ko astounded the golf world last month by reaching number one at the age of just 17 — the youngest by any male or female player — smashing the record set by Tiger Woods at 21.

"It's pretty awesome to be number one and I will enjoy every minute of it," said Ko. "But there have always been a lot of expectations on my shoulders even when I was an amateur. I just want to go out there and have fun."

Back-to-back wins at the Australian Open and New Zealand Open have lifted expectations still higher, but Ko will be against a strong line-up at Sentosa Golf Club, which includes Paula Creamer, whose incredible 75-foot putt secured victory in a play-off last year.

 

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