Battle on for rankings summit
Inbee Park's spot at the top of the world rankings is under threat from Lydia Ko as the LPGA Tour heads to the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia.
Ko has been boosted by winning her first major at last month's Evian Championship, and she now has Park firmly in her sights. Should the New Zealander win this week, she will become the new world number one if Park finishes in a three-way tie for second or worse. If Ko comes home as the runner-up she will take top spot if Park finishes in solo 40th or worse.
Victory in Kuala Lumpur would also be Ko's 10th career title, and she would be the youngest player to achieve the feat by some way, beating the record held by Nancy Lopez of 22 years, two months, and five days by more than three-and-a-half years.
However, Ko has insisted that she simply tries to enjoy herself on course, with results taking care of themselves from there and records far from her mind.
“Not really. Not at all actually," she told the LPGA website when asked if she is thinks of milestones. "No, when I play tournaments I really just play one shot at time, one round at time, and just kind of go from there.
“This tournament has a top field every year. Coming in and saying, Hey, I’m going to win every week is kind of unrealistic. I just got to play some good golf out there and just have fun. There’s a lot of great things to look forward to, and personally I think I play better when I have fun and have a smile on my face.”
Ko broke Morgan Pressel's record as the youngest major winner when she triumphed at the Evian Championship, in what was her last opportunity to do so before the record passed her by. While the 19-year-old has admitted that it's a great feeling to have written her name in the record books, she has said that failure to do so would not have been something that weighed on her mind.
“I mean, it was an unbelievable experience,” Ko said. “Either way, if I hadn’t won, it would have still been my last chance. Nobody would ask me if I would be the youngest major winner. But I’m very fortunate that I am now. Yeah, it was so amazing, and I still can’t believe that week happened.”
Latest
-
NewsJustin Thomas offers to act as a mentor to mini-tour player Mike Visacki
The world number two has also given money to help him finance his career.
-
-
NewsTom Watson urges Rory McIlroy to eradicate ‘cancer’ in bid for more major titles
The 32-year-old has four major titles to his name.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson will be a force to be reckoned with at The Open – Tom Watson
The American claimed the US PGA title at the age of 50 last month.
-
Dave TindallUS Open: Who’s hot and who’s not for this month’s showdown at Torrey Pines
How are the leading candidates shaping up ahead of the third major championship of 2021?
-
Dave TindallWill the Bryson DeChambeau-Brooks Koepka spat hurt the USA’s Ryder Cup chances?
A leaked video from Kiawah Island gives US Ryder Cup skipper Steve Stricker an unwelcome headache.
-
NewsTorrey Pines Is Calling – Can Phil Mickelson Complete a Career Grand Slam at the US Open?
With the US Open set for Torrey Pines in the middle of June, this represents an incredible opportunity for the three-time Masters’ champ.
-
NewsTiger Woods taking things ‘one step at a time’ as he recovers after car accident
The American suffered major injuries following a crash in Los Angeles.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson recognises consistency is key as he chases Ryder Cup place
The oldest major champion in golf’s history moved up to 16th in his country’s rankings with his win at the US PGA Championship last week.
-
NewsPGA boss apologises to Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka for unruly fans
Mickelson’s extraordinary victory made the 50-year-old the oldest major champion in history.