Ko becomes youngest-ever winner of award
NAPLES, Fla., November 22, 2015 – Lydia Ko wrapped up an impressive 2015 season in style winning the Rolex Player of the Year award by a mere two points over Inbee Park. With the victory, Ko becomes the youngest winner in the 49 year history of the award.
“At the start of the week, I would say the biggest trophy that would mean a lot to me would be the Rolex Player of the Year,” Ko said.. “I’m so thankful to my team. I’m still emotional."
In her sophomore season on Tour, Ko had five victories (ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic, Canadian Pacific Women’s Open, The Evian Championship and Fubon LPGA Taiwan) giving her 10 for her career and making her the youngest player in golf history to reach 10 wins. Additionally, Ko has amassed an impressive 12 additional top-10 finishes in her 24 tournaments.
Ko held off a late-season charge from Rolex Rankings No. 2 Inbee Park to claim the award. She entered this week’s season- ending CME Group Tour Championship leading Park by just three points in the Rolex Player of the Year race and ended up besting Park by a mere two points. Ko wrapped up the award with a solid CME Group Tour Championship where she finished in a tie for seventh at 11-under par.
In addition to winning the Rolex Player of the Year, the New Zealander won the LPGA Money Title and her second consecutive Race to the CME Globe Title taking home the season ending $1 million bonus.
Youngest MVP/Player of the Year (4 Major Sports, LPGA and PGA Tour)
- LPGA - Lydia Ko (18)
- NBA – Derrick Rose (22)
- MLB - Stan Musial, Johnny Bench and Vida Blue (22)
- NHL – Wayne Gretzky (19)
- NFL – Jim Brown (21)
- PGA – Tiger Woods (21)
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