Ko forfeits riches to stay an amateur
The 16-year-old would have already pocketed US$1 million in earnings had she been a pro
The resounding question in women's golf echoes every time Lydia Ko wins: When will she turn pro?
And the answer is: The only person who knows is Ko.
The South Korean-born New Zealander who successfully defended her title at the LPGA's recent CN Canadian Women's Open, is competing at the Evian Championship this weekend. And while the world's top women professionals are focused on winning the season's final major championship - an event that matches the US$3.25 million purse offered by the US Women's Open - Ko, 16, cannot be dismissed as a contender. She has played in 10 LPGA events this year, posted five top-10 finishes and has never missed a 36-hole tournament cut.
She was in the early mix at the Evian, just three shots off the first-round pace in a tournament shortened to three rounds after Thursday's play was washed out.
"It's incredible," said French pro Karine Icher, runner-up at the CN Canadian Women's Open, five shots behind Ko. "Sixteen years old and to win twice - she has no fear."
To be so young, hopefully she doesn’t get burned out before she gets the chance to turn pro
In each professional event Ko has played, the amateur competed as if she had nothing to lose - except for the champion's cheque - and even then, she seemed unfazed at leaving the money behind.