Lydia Ko didn’t waste any time picking up her first victory in only her second start as a professional at the Swinging Skirts World Ladies Masters on Sunday in Taiwan.
The two-time Canadian Women’s Open champion bested a strong field that included four of the top seven players in the world. Her 11-under 205 total left her three strokes clear of So Yeon Ryu, after a final round 4-under 68.
“I didn’t know I’d do it this quickly,” Ko told reporters of her first title as a pro. “I’m just so fortunate to do it at such a great tournament. I was nervous, but I just said to myself, `Concentrate on your game.’”
With the victory, Ko, 16, took home the $150,000 first place prize cheque for her fifth professional title. Her next start is scheduled for the LPGA Tour’s 2014 season opener, the Pure Silk Bahamas Classic, January 23-26.