Lydia Ko happy for appreciation from pro stars
Amateur Lydia Ko, who rose to fame after clinching her first Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) victory at CN Canadian Women’s Open 2012 last Sunday, said that she has always been lucky in terms of
support from professional players she has played with and her family.
Speaking during the CN Canadian Women’s Open 2012, held at the Vancouver Golf Club, Ko said that she has never had a problem getting help from big names who grace LPGA events. She said this is what has helped
her gain much-needed confidence in her brief golfing career.
This appreciation was still with Ko, a New Zealand national, when she finally made her dream come true at Vancouver last Sunday, clinching her maiden LPGA triumph as an amateur player.
The young Kiwi was doused with water by players like Stacy Lewis of the United States who has become a big fan of her lately, Jiyai Shin, Danielle Kang and Jessica Korda — something that reflects Ko’s attachment
with pro stars.
Ko said that although all of these professional players could not live up to the expectations of their fans, they celebrated her victory — something she said gave her a big mental boost and more energy.
Ko further said that she knows that these players are going to be her archrivals one day — after she becomes a professional golfer, but was keen to point out that she learned a lot from watching them play on
the course, so the respect will undoubtedly remain.
“They are the players I want to play against on the LPGA tour hopefully in the future, and it was awesome that they supported me," the young prodigy said.
When asked what it feels like to battle players she admires, Ko said that the excitement to come face-to-face against big stars is great but she sometimes gets a bit nervous due to the pressure.
“I mean, it's kind of nerve‑racking to play along with the pros. I've played a few professional events, but this is my third LPGA event,” said the Kiwi amateur, who is planning to finish her high school after
she gets back to New Zealand. “Everyone is here, and the world's best are here. So, yeah, it's always good. I mean, it's good that I played good along with them”.
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