Lydia Ko

[TheNuclearOne]

Michelle Wie has been around a while.

I think Karrie is an exception to the norm really, not many golfers fullstop hang around 10 years, whether they're Asian or not. Weird thing to say.

It will interesting to see where Kerrie ends up rated historically, her longevity has been insane. Sorenstams got her covered but gee she's been around for a while.

[jimandr]

This is quite an interesting discussion topic, that of length of careers in women's golf.

The more I think about it, the more exceptions I remember, but those exceptions do stand out. I'm thinking Laura Davies in particular, Karrie, Cristie Kerr, Catriona Matthew, and the only asian player I call recall breaking the 10 year barrier, Se Re Pak. But there aren't many others.

As a general rule, even the stars of 15 years ago either aren't featuring at all, or do not contend any more. Apart from Laura, no women over 40 play any significant role in golf. Compare that to the men.

I don't think it is an Asian thing, more an overall lack of longevity question. I am guessing on this, but how many of the youth prodigies in ladies golf even make 30, regardless of nationality? Perhaps only Morgan Pressel and Paula Creamer (if they are 30 yet?).

Of course, the elephant in the women's golf room is marriage, family and babies. None of those things have anywhere near the impact for an elite man than they do for an elite woman player.

Maybe Lydia Ko might be the one to change all of that. Right now, she is certainly good enough.

[shazza_rs]

Of course, the elephant in the women's golf room is marriage, family and babies. None of those things have anywhere near the impact for an elite man than they do for an elite woman player.

But aren't all elite sportswomen gay?

I actually find this interesting too. I suppose you either start young and make your dough then have a family or have your career and no family.

[3Puttpete]

But aren't all elite sportswomen gay?

I actually find this interesting too. I suppose you either start young and make your dough then have a family or have your career and no family.

Don't be silly! They're not all gay, just the hotties.

I think we'll see more come back to sport after having kids. Mum is no longer the only option to look after the kids.

[benno_r]

Mum is no longer the only option to look after the kids.

I'd happy to be a doting house husband for any of the top 10 LPGA players.

[3Puttpete]

I'd happy to be a doting house husband for any of the top 10 LPGA players.

Exactly my point.

You'd be good at it too.

[benno_r]

Exactly my point.

You'd be good at it too.

Hell yeah, as long as Karrie keeps up a good supply of Nippon shafts and Bridgestone clubs, I'd happily clean the grass from her grooves.

[3Puttpete]

Hell yeah, as long as Karrie keeps up a good supply of Nippon shafts and Bridgestone clubs, I'd happily clean the grass from her grooves.

I'm almost certain that's one thing you won't have to do

[benno_r]

I'm almost certain that's one thing you won't have to do

You know me well enough to know that I could change her.

[gameboy]

looks like she needs wrist surgery for a cyst - not good news obviously

[Minor_Threat]

looks like she needs wrist surgery for a cyst - not good news obviously

Sounds like a ganglion cyst? They are no good at all. I had had these things causing problems for me for ages. Very hard to get rid of.

[wizard_of_oz]

Great rookie season for Lydia. Won the Tour championship $500k and also the Race to CME bonus $1.0M for the biggest payday in LPGA history. Certainly wouldn't hurt if she had a stylist on board next season! I like the girl but the geeky glasses are out. If it was a hottie like Michelle Wie winning, this would have undoubtedly garnered a lot more attention.

[Golfwhang]

How good is this girl winning the final event to clean up 1.5mil

[3Puttpete]

Great rookie season for Lydia. Won the Tour championship $500k and also the Race to CME bonus $1.0M for the biggest payday in LPGA history. Certainly wouldn't hurt if she had a stylist on board next season! I like the girl but the geeky glasses are out. If it was a hottie like Michelle Wie winning, this would have undoubtedly garnered a lot more attention.

She's 17. Let her grow up before you turn her into a sex symbol

[Coldtopper]

Sorry am I missing something isnt the Ko girl a 17 year old, New Zealander, Korean born and very unattractive? Who cares how she plays now really!

[wizard_of_oz]

She's 17. Let her grow up before you turn her into a sex symbol

You mean like Michelle Wie when she was 17? It's called marketing and branding of an athlete. It's just a fact, more marketable athletes score the bigger endorsement deals and get a lot more hype regardless of their talent. You only need to look at the sport of tennis to see a perfect example of this. Serena Williams has been world number 1 for years but Maria Sharapova has made more money off endorsements than she has. Again, in case people misconstrue the comment, I like the girl, she's obviously very talented but IN MY OPINION she would be not doing herself a disservice by being more marketable.

[FuzzyJuzzy]

For what it's worth, I think Lydia's personable, down to earth attitude (which is soooooooooooo evident every time she speaks with the media) are cracking marketing traits for a professional athlete. And let's try not get into dodgy territory, but in terms of pro golfers she's certainly not one of the more frumpy lookers. Plus, I rate what she's done as a golfer in the last couple of years miles ahead of what Michelle Wie has done over the last near decade...

[aym]

I think Lydia's personable, down to earth attitude (which is soooooooooooo evident every time she speaks with the media) are cracking marketing traits for a professional athlete.

Yep, I think thats the new marketing direction, similar traits apply to Rory, the type of golfers you'd most likely to meet at your local course.

[wizard_of_oz]

Quite the transformation.

http://www.golf.com/2015/01/14/lydia...ga-media-guide

[3Puttpete]

She's about to be transformed into number 1 too.

[FuzzyJuzzy]

L-Ko is a gun. Will be interesting to see if Min Jee Lee can give here a run in the coming years...

[razaar]

I hope KO has done the right thing by working with Leadbetter. He didn't make it happen for Wie. In fact she lost 30+ yards with the driver (according to reports from experts). Why would Ko join her?

[3Puttpete]

The first 12 months didn't seem to hurt too much.

[Shane788]

What a putt!!!!

[Shane788]

2 shot swing from 6 feet... Wow