24 Dec 2013

Ko splits with coach

11:30 am on 24 December 2013

New Zealand golf star Lydia Ko has split with her coach Guy Wilson after 11 years together.

Wilson has coached the number four since she started playing golf as a five-year-old at Auckland's Pupuke golf club and has overseen her five professional title wins.

He confirmed the split in a statement and says while he respects the decision of Ko and her team, he's incredibly disappointed.

The 16-year-old Ko turned professional in October and signed a deal with the sport management firm IMG Worldwide earlier this month.

She will reportedly be coached by the high profile American, David Leadbetter, who has worked with Sir Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and Michelle Wie.