Tour News

Lydia Ko parts ways with long-time swing coach

Published

10 years ago

Dec 23, 2013

Shortly after being granted membership to play on the LPGA Tour, Lydia Ko has split from the coach that spent 11 years molding her into a pro.

Ko told Television New Zealand on Monday she was sad to end the partnership with Guy Wilson, but it was a necessary step due to Wilson’s need to remain in New Zealand.

“That means I’d only see him like 10 times a year and to me that kind of situation didn’t work out,” Ko said. “So that’s why I thought it might be better to have a coach based somewhere in the States … It’s obviously sad to stop with [Wilson], because he’s been a great coach and a great friend as well.”

Wilson, director of instruction at the Institute of Golf in New Zealand, has worked with the 16-year-old phenom since age 5. Wilson said he was incredibly disappointed that the 11 year partnership came to an end, but wished Ko the best with her career.

“It’s been an honor to help develop Lydia into the No.4 golfer in the world,” he said. ” When I first met her the golf clubs were taller than she was and she didn’t know the first thing about a driver or a putter but now she has one of the most envied swings in the women’s golf world.”

Newstalk ZB has reported that Lydia Ko has signed to work with David Leadbetter, whose clientele includes four players who have held 1st place in the Official World Golf Ranking. With Leadbetter, Lydia will be in the company of former teenage women’s golf superstar Michelle Wie, who Ko considers her idol.

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Stephen Staller

Stephen Staller is a Project Assistant at GolfWRX.com.

17 Comments

KK

Dec 27, 2013 at 10:08 pm

Lydia is already a lot better than Michelle. Why would she want Michelle’s coach?

Reply Report comment
Brian

Dec 24, 2013 at 12:50 pm

I guess what’s confusing me is that she has had all this success but she is making so many changes at once. Going pro- not a big deal, signing with callaway, changing swing coaches I mean what happened to if it ain’t broke don’t fix it?

She is easily a favorite to win a major next year but I am not sure why she would want to change her swing when it’s gotten her so far.

Reply Report comment
- ireadthearticle
  
  Dec 29, 2013 at 5:55 pm
  
  did you not read the article Brian?
  
  coach not willing/able to leave NZ to travel with her..
  
  she was basically forced to change her swing coach..that does not mean she will be changing her swing drastically.
  
  not that it matters since swings are constantly evolving.
  
  Reply Report comment
Joe

Dec 24, 2013 at 11:45 am

Lydia, whatever you do, be sure early in your successful career you:

1. Change equipment manufacturers
2. Change coaches
3. Change caddies

…and all within the same month. You probably have your parents doing your advising like Michelle Wie did.
Nice knowing you.

Reply Report comment
Paul

Dec 24, 2013 at 10:30 am

Just goes to show you the lack of loyalty in the world today. Leadbetter one of the finest gentlemen and top teachers in the game but there’s something to be said about a long lasting sucessful partnership and friendship. Well one could truly question her ability to understand a real friend. Such a shame. Let’s see what happens next season.

Reply Report comment
- ireadthearticle
  
  Dec 29, 2013 at 5:57 pm
  
  the coach wasnt willing/able to travel with her..
  
  i would question his ability to understand a real friend..
  
  and a swing coach for a professional golfer is not just a “friend”
  
  Reply Report comment
bunka

Dec 24, 2013 at 2:53 am

Guy Wilson sounds like he is all class. Feel for the guy!

Reply Report comment
Stan

Dec 24, 2013 at 1:48 am

I would have tried a year with the current coach before making the switch to Leadbetter. It may have worked.

Reply Report comment
mitch

Dec 24, 2013 at 1:29 am

there is nothing to worry about, unless she decides to re tool her swing. if that happens look for a major decline in her rankings. since her swing isn’t built so much on talent/timing/flash speed as it is on technique and rhythm, any technical changes she makes with leadbetter will only lead to better results. these are world class athletes working with world class technology.

Reply Report comment
Tommy

Dec 23, 2013 at 9:35 pm

Just what a 16 year old needs. She’ll be too confused to know which shoe to tie first.

Reply Report comment
- N
  
  Dec 23, 2013 at 10:16 pm
  
  What a dumb comment. She’s already won as a Pro, and she’s only 16. She won the CN twice as an amateur. What laces would you be talking aboot? She’s done more in golf than you’ve ever done in your whole life already.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Tommy
    
    Dec 23, 2013 at 10:53 pm
    
    You obviously no nothing about David Leadbetter……..and you know nothing about me.
    Lydia Ko is a natural talent that has been developed into a great player. My guess is that the complexity of the Leadbetter swing will confuse Lydia.
    You’re free to have your own opinion about which I have no interest.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Ninny
      
      Dec 24, 2013 at 1:31 am
      
      She’ll be fine. She’s definitely not confused as you are.
      
      Reply Report comment
    - E
      
      Dec 26, 2013 at 9:25 pm
      
      Yeah, she’s going to prove to you that you know nothing, Tommy, and she’s going to do it in style, because she’s different. You can just see that she is.
      
      Reply Report comment
Ian

Dec 23, 2013 at 5:13 pm

Big gamble. I could understand if her form dipped, at least give him 6 months. Tune up at the start of the season and the odd visit through the season was good enough for Ben and Jack. Lydia has a great swing that her coach knows inside out. With all the technology out on tour, I’m sure he could of kept her swing in good shape. Not very loyal.

Reply Report comment
MikeG

Dec 23, 2013 at 5:02 pm

Say so long to your swing, Lydia! He will Ruin your swing!

Reply Report comment
Lucas

Dec 23, 2013 at 4:09 pm

So bye bye to her golf game!

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