‘Unbelievable arrogance’ of parents could cost Lydia Ko her talent, former coach warns

Top golf coach David Leadbetter has blasted the parents of former world number one Lydia Ko, accusing them of ruining her career.
Ko was the youngest ever top ranked player five years ago when she was just 17-years-old, but is now languishing down at number 24 after missing the cut at the British Open by a huge 10 shots.
And Leadbetter, who used to coach the New Zealander, has laid the blame squarely at the feet of her parents, whom he has accused of making her ‘ordinary’.
“Her parents have a lot to answer for – a case of unbelievable ignorance,” Leadbetter told New Zealand’s Radio Sport.
“They tell her when to go to bed, what to eat, what to wear, when to practice and what to practice. And they expect her to win every tournament.
“They need to let her go, let her fly, let her leave the nest so to speak and find her own way. If she can do that, we could see Lydia back.”
“It really is a very sad situation to observe,” he added. “The problem is when you start changing everything.
“As many changes as she’s made, not only coaching, caddies and equipment, and sports psychologists and trainers, she’s also changed her body type now.
“Who knows what’s going on inside her head right now and obviously her team needs (to get) things together there because the longer it goes on, the tougher it is for her to get out of it.”
Leadbetter worked with Ko for three years until 2016, and he has some drastic advice for the 22-year-old.
“My advice would be looking to take a break right now. She doesn’t need to play for the rest of the year.
“Just get her head together, relax, get away from the game and rethink this whole thing.”
GOLF365 is now on Instagram, don’t forget to check us our for more golf news, reviews and satire – CLICK RIGHT HERE!
Latest
-
News
Ryder Cup qualification ‘one of the biggest goals’ of 2021 for Sergio Garcia
The Spaniard is the top points scorer in the competition’s history.
-
News
‘My best is ahead of me’ – Justin Rose motivated by winning majors, not rankings
The Englishman endured a first winless season since 2009 in 2020 and starts this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic ranked 38th in the world.
-
News
Justin Rose concerned about his chances of defending his Olympic title
Rose won gold in Rio in 2016 but the former world number one is currently outside the qualifying places.
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.