David Leadbetter warns Lydia Ko about her "naive" parents
The dominoes continue to fall, and things continue to change for Lydia Ko. Now, she let’s go of her coach David Leadbetter, and he now feels concerned, for a reason that may surprise you.
Lydia Ko has been making some major changes in her professional life. First, she let go of her caddie, Justin Hamilton stating that she simply wanted a change and it’s nothing personal.
Now, she fired one of the top golf instructors in the world, David Leadbetter. This, after the famous coach had helped her earn 12 LPGA Tour victories including two major titles.
Although Ko has become one of the most beloved players in golf, on and off the course, Leadbetter leaves her with a warning. And it involves her parents.
“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” Leadbetter said according to Golf Digest.
“They are good people, who love their daughter and want the very best for her, and Lydia has never been to college and is still young. But they are naive about golf. And at some point, they’ve got to let the bird fly from the nest. I would often think, ‘It’s not easy coaching three people”.
After three years of coaching one of the best young talents we’ve seen in years, no doubt it is upsetting for Leadbetter. However, sometimes, you can’t take the talent out of the player.
Just because her parents are a little protective of their daughter, it shouldn’t affect Ko’s play. When you’re only 19 years old, and you have the prominence of Ko’s caliber, it must be hard not to be a little protective as a parent.
Not to mention, she’s a girl. And as we know, without getting too political, it can be real tough for females in the world of sport.
Now, Leadbetter does have a point that the timing of everything doesn’t make sense. However, an otherworldly talent figures it out, no matter who he or she is with.
But, as mentioned in my piece about Ko’s breakup with her caddie, these types of things will leave you asking questions. If she continues to play well, then is the importance of a coach or caddie diminished?
I personally think it’s great to have a good coach and caddie. As for her parents, since she’s still under 20 years old, the presence will be there.
Perhaps once she gets a few years older, then things will likely die down. But, let’s face it; our parents still are our parents even when we don’t have the fame like Ko has.
Overall though, it shouldn’t ruin the great player that she has become. Her biggest concerns should be looking out for players like Brooke Henderson and Ariya Jutanugarn, the swarm of LPGA prospects that continue to trickle out.
Also, continuing to master the courses she plays. She’s won so many tournaments with virtually the same swing, so it shouldn’t be a major concern.
However, as I like to say sometimes, the clock on the wall can sit down and tell us the tale. Guess we can’t say that the Chicago White Sox are the only ones making big changes.
So, what are your thoughts on the breakup between Lydia Ko and coach David Leadbetter? Do you think it will have a major affect on her play? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and keep it locked on Pro Golf Now for more LPGA Tour news.
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