Teenage golfer Lydia Ko could be about to join Tiger Woods, Michelle
Teenage golfer Lydia Ko could be about to join Tiger Woods, Michelle Wie and New Zealand’s own Danny Lee.
Management giant IMG, who also represent Roger Federer and Justin Timberlake, has confirmed they are tracking the supremely talented Aucklander – the world No 1 women’s amateur.
David Rollo, vice-president of IMG’s golf division, says while formal talks cannot begin until Ko relinquishes her amateur status, the 14-year-old is “definitely on the radar”.
“I’ve had emails on her from our guys who look after our female athletes and LPGA players in the United States,” Rollo said.
“She’s very young right now but obviously someone who has got a very, very bright future in front of her.
Earlier this year, aged 13, Ko became the first female to hold both the New Zealand and Australian amateur champion titles.
Professional 2011 events have further reinforced her talent, finishing fourth in February’s New Zealand Open and runner-up, by a single stroke, in the previous month’s New South Wales Open – where victory would have seen her become the youngest winner of a women’s professional tournament.
She is the youngest player to make the cut in a Ladies European Tour event – a feat achieved when she was 12.
This week Ko flies to the UK to compete in the British Amateur Championship before a crucial American trip in July, where she will attempt to qualify for the US Amateur Championship.