Ko signs with IMG

<!–
@page { margin: 2cm }
P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm }
–>

It could be said that 2013 was the year of management struggles, it was for Rory McIlroy anyway, but, ladies golf sensation Lydia Ko has no such worries after signing a deal with IMG Worldwide for management and marketing representation.

Ko, who sits fourth in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, was the top-ranked female amateur for more than two years before making the decision to turn pro in October.

Ko also won the 2013 US Women’s Amateur Championship but her admission to the LPGA Tour was down to LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan, who reviewed the situation before granting permission due to the New Zealander’s age.

“Lydia is an incredibly impressive young lady and an astonishing player. She has a wonderful family support team and we are absolutely delighted to be working for her.” – Guy Kinnings, global head of golf at IMG.

“I am excited to work with my new team at IMG as I embark on my professional career,” said Ko, who won twice on the LPGA Tour as an amateur. “My family and I spoke with many candidates and IMG emerged as the clear choice to represent me, in large part because of their global reach. I am comfortable knowing that IMG will commit the appropriate resources to help my career excel while I focus on golf.”

Ko joins group of top players

IMG already represents a strong group of women’s golfers, including Paula Creamer, Beatriz Recari and Michelle Wie, and they have just added the most exciting prospect in women’s golf to their roster.

“Lydia is an incredibly impressive young lady and an astonishing player,” said Guy Kinnings, global head of golf at IMG. “She has a wonderful family support team and we are absolutely delighted to be working for her.

“Her accomplishments to date are remarkable and IMG looks forward to helping Lydia achieve more success both on and off the course.”