Ko’s ‘ controversial’ axing of her coach is hard decision she had to make

Lydia Ko has had a quick induction into the life of a professional athlete. Forever the darling of New Zealand golfers, she had her first bitter taste of controversial press after the axing of long- time coach and mentor Guy Wilson.

Before I get into that, I need to put into context what Lydia has achieved.

To be the fourth- ranked female golfer on the plane would be a career high for most; to do so at 16 and out of our geographical wilderness is unthinkable.

For the mathematically minded, due to a ‘‘ minimum divisor rule’’ on the LPGA Tour, her ranking is restricted until she plays 35 events ( she has played 25 and has never missed a cut).

If this rule did not exist she would be No 2 in the world, narrowly behind current No 1 one Inbee Park.

In men’s golfing terms, this would mean she is the equal of Adam Scott and ahead of legends such as Henrik Stenson, Phil Mickelson and Rory McIlroy!

Has Guy Wilson made Lydia Ko or vice versa?

My thoughts are that good coaches breed a number of good players and without disrespecting Wilson, I have not been able to locate another top or developing player under his wing, be it at amateur or professional level.

Sure his IGolf setup with Craig Dixon in Auckland has attracted a number of our better known players who flounder around the southern hemisphere events.

But outside of Mike Hendry, none are showing signs of setting either amateur or professional golf alight.

I think the move to the David Leadbetter Academy is the right one for Ko and has been timed correctly.

No matter who is her coach, she will be a world- beater but, with a United States- based team to walk her through the battlefield of professional golf, she will have her best chance at dominating women’s golf like no other before her.

New Zealand has had a few cases of players basing themselves in the northern hemisphere and changing their coaching teams, the highest profile being Michael Campbell and his split with Mal Tongue.

Michael moved on to Jonathan Yarwood, a former Leadbetter Academy coach.

The main reason for that change was Michael wanted Mal in Europe and Mal wouldn’t go.

So Michael moved on, changed coach and created a world- class record throughout the late 90s and mid 2000s culminating in a US Open and World Matchplay title.

As a proven winner, this was a record he was always destined to create. Black Sticks Hockey star Nick Wilson, right, recorded a hole in one on the second hole at the Palmerston North Golf Club last week during the ‘‘ Wilson Trophy’’.

A member at Gulf Harbour in Auckland, he pipped father Mike and brothers Mike and Harley by a shot or two to win their annual battle. The Halberg Awards will be interesting next month. With Ko up for sportswoman and Wilson for coach of the year, it will surely show us if the split has been harmonious.

Stephen Wood is the club professional at the Palmerston North Golf Club.