Ko breaks victory drought in style

REUTERS: A two-year win drought marked by changes in coaches, caddies and clubs ended for Lydia Ko on Sunday as the former world number one closed out victory at the Mediheal Championship with a stroke of brilliance.

Needing something special to shake off Australian Minjee Lee in the first playoff hole, New Zealander Ko pulled out a three-wood out from 234 yards and landed the ball two-and-a-half feet from the pin for a tap-in eagle.

Ko brushed tears from her eyes after the draining the putt, having notched her first win in 44 starts.

She now boasts a 15th LPGA title and two major wins since turning professional in 2014.

“I don’t think I’ve ever cried in the other 14 (wins),” she told reporters at Lake Merced Golf Club with a laugh.

“And I cried like four times in the span of two minutes which is kind of embarrassing.

“Every time I’d see my sister, I’d cry, every time I’d see my mum I cry, Ted (Oh), my coach was crying so then I cried again.

“I’m like ‘God, get a hold of yourself!’

“But you know it was emotional because they’d been through it with me, it’s not like you’re the only one out there.

“That’s why it’s so meaningful.”