14-Year-Old Youngest Ever Pro Golf Winner

Even crazier, Lydia Ko nearly won same tournament a year ago
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 29, 2012 7:06 AM CST
14-Year-Old Youngest Ever Pro Golf Winner
Lydia Ko of North Shore tees off during the North Island Championships at Whitford Park on March 31, 2011 in Auckland, New Zealand.   (Getty Images)

Lydia Ko is just 14 years old, but that didn't stop her from becoming the youngest ever winner of a professional golf tournament earlier today, winning the New South Wales Open in New Zealand by four strokes, reports the AP. The previous record was held by Ryo Ishikawa, who won his first pro title at 15 years, eight months. The previous youngest woman was Amy Yang, who won at 16 years, seven months. It's pretty amazing,'' says the Korean-born Ko. "I don't really know what to say ... I'm really happy and to be part of history is like a miracle."

Ko nearly won the same tournament a year ago, taking a one-shot lead into the final hole, but three-putted it to lose by one stroke. Sadly for Ko, though, because she is an amateur, she does not get to claim the tournament's $15,400 top prize; instead, the money will go to No. 2 finisher Becky Morgan. (More golf stories.)

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