Teenager Lydia Ko signs with management giant IMG
The 16-year-old New Zealander says she chose the group because of its global reach
New Zealand teen sensation Lydia Ko said on Friday that she had signed with management giant IMG Worldwide, just two months after turning professional following a stellar amateur career.
The 16-year-old, who won her first pro tournament in Taiwan on Sunday is already ranked number four in the world, generating a wave of hype that has seen Time magazine name her as one of the world’s most influential teens.
Ko, whose grounded attitude has impressed pundits, said having IMG manage her affairs would allow her to concentrate on her game.
I am comfortable knowing that IMG will commit the appropriate resources to help my career excel while I focus on golf
“My family and I spoke with many candidates and IMG emerged as the clear choice to represent me, in large part because of their global reach,” she said.
“I am comfortable knowing that IMG will commit the appropriate resources to help my career excel while I focus on golf.”
The Korean-born prodigy will be keen to avoid the pitfalls experienced by her American stablemate at IMG Michelle Wie, who has failed to live up to expectations since turning pro at 15 in 2005.
The US LPGA usually restricts membership to golfers aged 18 and over, but granted Ko a special waiver because of her achievements as an amateur, which included becoming the youngest player to win a pro tournament at 14.