19 Oct 2016

Ko splits with caddie

6:53 pm on 19 October 2016

New Zealand's World No.1 golfer Lydia Ko has parted ways with her caddie of two years, Jason Hamilton, following a string of sub-par results.

Lydia Ko at the Canadian Open, 2016.

Lydia Ko wants "a different set of eyes out there," her former caddie told Golfweek magazine. Photo: Photosport

Ko won 10 times with Hamilton on the bag, including two majors.

However she tied for 51st at the latest LPGA event in South Korea following two less than stellar performances at the Taiwan Championship, where she finished tied for 20th, and the year's final major the Evian Championship, where she failed to defend her title, finishing tied for 43rd.

"All Lydia told me was she wanted a different set of eyes out there," Hamilton told Golfweek magazine.

"Nothing surprises me anymore after 26 years, so I'll be back at it in Kuala Lumpur trying to help someone else chase their dream."

Hamilton will now help World No. 8 Ha Na Jang, a three-time winner on the LPGA this season, next week in Malaysia.

Ko, who, through her management team, declined to comment, became the youngest player in golf history to reach No. 1 in the world with Hamilton by her side.

She also earned 2015 Player of the Year honors and twice took home the $1.4 million bonus check as CME Race to the Globe winner.

She was silver medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Before Ko hired Hamilton, the New Zealand star went through seven caddies during her rookie season, including her father and longtime PGA Tour looper Mike "Fluff" Cowan.

Lydia Ko and Jason Hamilton together earlier this year.

Lydia Ko and Jason Hamilton together earlier this year. Photo: PHOTOSPORT