Lydia Ko wins second tournament as a pro, pockets $US270K
First victory on US soil bumps 17-year-old Kiwi golding sensation to no. 2 in world rankings.
Lydia Ko has won her second as a professional, and her first on American soil, birdying her final hole to take the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic in California.
The 17-year-old Kiwi golfing sensation collected $US270,000 ($NZ319,000) for her efforts, and will move up to number two in the next world rankings.
ESPN described Ms Ko as "Poised and unflappable".
The tournament began with the crowd singing "Happy Birthday" to the Kiwi to celebrate her 17th birthday.
It ended in a tense finish today as Ms Ko, who took the lead overnight, held a two shot lead with four holes to play.
Stacy Lewis and Jenny Shin sliced Ko's lead to one shot with one hole to play, but the New Zealander held on to win.
Ms Ko now has six victories at pro events, though contested four of them as an amateur.
It's likely her victory will be seized on by the Taxpayers' Union, which has already said the young athlete should receive no more money from the government.
The Union's call came aftter New Zealand Golf asked for $208,000 in taxpayer money to help pay for Ms Ko’s coaching, physiotherapy and mental skills training this year.
NBR Staff
Mon, 28 Apr 2014
Mon, 28 Apr 2014
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Lydia Ko wins second tournament as a pro, pockets $US270K
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