Lydia Ko becomes youngest major winner

• Lydia Ko becomes youngest major winner in the modern era
• Shoots an eight-under-par final round to win by six shots
• Now targets Olympic glory in Rio de Janeiro next year

Lydia Ko became the youngest major winner in the modern era after dominating the final day of the Evian Championship.

At 18 years, four months and 20 days, the Kiwi eclipsed Morgan Pressel’s record – held since 2007 – by six months after carding an eight-under-par final round of 63 to take home the title and a cheque for almost $500,000.

A winning margin of six shots over Lexi Thompson, who finished on ten-under-par, was all the more impressive given that she started the final round two shots behind overnight leader Mi Hyang Lee and one behind the American.

“To say that I’m the youngest in history for now is so cool” – Lydia Ko

“Today has been unbelievable,” said Lydia Ko. “ I put myself in a good position going into today, over the last couple of days, and I just focused on my game. Lexi was playing really great golf, hitting good shots to the pin and making a lot of great putts. So I just said I’ve just got to focus on one shot at a time.

“Shooting eight-under is great, but to not make any bogeys, I think that’s a bigger thing because it meant that when I was in trouble, I kind of got myself out of it, and when I had the opportunities, I was able to grab it.

“Winning at any age is amazing at a major, and all players want to peak at their best at a major. To say that I’m the youngest in history for now is so cool.”

CONTINUES BELOW…

Lydia Ko’s win in France is her ninth career LPGA Tour victory and as a result, has passed $4m in career earnings. But what does the teenager have her sights set on next after achieving her maiden major win so early in her career?

“I think one of my big goals is the Olympics,” said Ko, who has closed the gap to world No.1 Inbee Park at the top of the Rolex Rankings. “It’s only around the corner, less than a year from now and the first time it was announced, I knew I really wanted to play in the Olympics.

“I’m super excited to play, and to play for your country on the international stage, it’s an amazing experience. I’ve met some Olympians, and they say there’s nothing like it.”

Lydia Ko :: A maiden major win

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