Ko could make history
Lydia Ko could become the youngest ever male or female player to ascend to number one on the world rankings on Saturday if she hangs on to her lead in the Coates Golf Championship.
The 17-year-old shot a tournament low of 65, to take the lead at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club in Florida.
Ko carded four birdies on her way out but slumped to bogeys on the 10th and 11th holes, before recovering with five consecutive birdies between 12 and 16.
She told the LPGA Tour website that potentially moving to first on the rankings hadn’t even crossed her mind during play.
“I really haven’t thought about it. Like I always say, the rankings come after the results in each tournament,” she said.
“So it would be great and it would be a huge honor to be in that position, but we’ve still got another long 18 holes to go and you just never know what’s going to happen in those holes.”
Ko currently sits on 14-under, leading Ha Na Jang by a single shot. The Korean carded a 65 in the second round, but could only manage a one-under 71 on Friday.
“I think the winner’s score is maybe 16-under, so maybe three more birdies. But it maybe 17, 18-under. Five more birdies? I can do it!” Jang said.
Her compatriot Na Yeon Choi is another shot back, in third, on 12-under, while American Stacy Lewis is fourth on 10-under.
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