Ko’s decline tough for ex-coach
Watching Lydia Ko’s game deteriorate over the past two years has been a tough watch for her former coach.
David Leadbetter worked with Ko for three seasons, alongside Sean Hogan, helping her during the most successful period of her career.
She parted ways with the coaching team at the end of 2016, with Leadbetter believing her parents played a major role in that move, and her game has suffered ever since.
‘‘We might not have all of the answers, but she certainly was on track to become one of the greatest LPGA players of all time,’’ Leadbetter wrote on his website.
‘‘Hopefully, Lydia is able to resurrect her game. She obviously still has the talent, but it’s not always an easy task to climb back up the mountaintop.
‘‘We honestly felt that if the decision was left entirely up to her, that she would still be with us. Not only did Lydia change her swing and putting coaches, but also her equipment company, caddie, workout coach, sports psychologist, and putting grip company.
‘‘So many changes can be extremely hard to absorb. This year, she even changed her swing coach and caddie again.’’
Ko is currently playing at the Hugel-JTBC LA Open in Los Angeles, shooting a one-under 70 in the first round to sit 14th equal. She is four shots off the lead held by Inbee Park.
Leadbetter said Ko can still be a force in women’s golf, but he doesn’t think she can improve upon her first few years on tour.
‘‘Lydia can certainly win more tournaments, even majors, but there’s no possible way that she can play better than she played for those first three years.’’