Lydia comes out swinging
Family that plays together stays together
Lydia Ko has broken her silence on the split from coach David Leadbetter, with the Kiwi world golf No 1 admitting that she can be ‘‘too reliant’’ on her parents.
Renowned coach Leadbetter last week revealed Ko had ended their hugely successful association after three years together, and criticised the two-time major winner’s parents for having too much involvement in her career.
In her first interview since the announcement, the 19-year-old defended her parents’ role but admitted she does need to take more responsibility with her game.
‘‘I think I have, yes, sometimes been too reliant on my parents because I am so used to being with them,’’ Ko told LPGA.com via email.
‘‘But I think I need to learn more about taking ownership and making my own decisions.’’
Ko said she consulted her parents, Gil Hong and Tina Hyon, before parting ways with Leadbetter and fellow instructor Sean Hogan but said it was her call both times.
‘‘Of course I discussed my decision with my parents,’’ she said.
‘‘They gave their opinions, too. But at the end of the day I made the final decision to change.
‘‘My parents are a big part of my golfing career and I know I wouldn’t be here without them.
‘‘I am very close with my parents. But it would be a lie to say that we have never had an argument or I’ve never been upset because of them.
‘‘But at the end of the day, even though I may not know at the time, they are wishing the very best for me and it’s because they care and love me.’’
The decision to move on from Leadbetter was part of a major overhaul by Ko and her team following a disappointing end to the year.
Ko dumped caddie Jason Hamilton in October while she is also reportedly making a change in equipment from Callaway to PXG Golf during the off-season.
After missing out on all of the LPGA Tour’s top honours at the season finale in Florida, Ko took some time to assess her future under Leadbetter.
She felt like she needed to improve her ball striking but insisted the decision to leave Leadbetter and Hogan had nothing to do with results.
Ko finished the season feeling stale and is hopeful a new caddie and coach and the change of equipment will help her to re-ignite her game.
‘‘I think playing my first tournament of the 2017 season I will get a whole new feeling, just like playing in the Bahamas in my first event as a rookie,’’ Ko said to LPGA.com.
‘‘My biggest goal when playing is to enjoy and have fun.
‘‘Hopefully, these changes will give me more confidence.’’