Women's golf world number one Lydia Ko has opened up about her split from instructors David Leadbetter and Sean Hogan, admitting that she is sometimes "too reliant" on her parents.
Ko came under fire last week after splitting with Leadbetter and Hogan just weeks after parting ways with her caddie Jason Hamilton.
In interviews since the split, Leadbetter has criticised the Ko camp suggesting that the 19-year-old's parents played too much of a role in her decisions and in the management of her game.
And her results – a tie for 10th being the best result since the beginning of September – reflect the fractured relationship that developed.
"It’s been difficult the last few months, when she’s hearing more than one voice," Leadbetter told GolfChannel.com.
In her first public comments since the split, Ko was frank about the coaching situation and the relationship with her parents.
"I think I have, yes, sometimes been too reliant on my parents because I am so used to being with them," Ko told LPGA.com.
"But I think I need to learn more about taking ownership and making my own decisions."
While she admits her parents do play a large role in her decision-making, Ko maintained that all her decisions were ultimately made by her.
"Of course I discussed my decision with my parents.
"They gave their opinions, too. But at the end of the day I made the final decision to change. My parents are a big part of my golfing career and I know I wouldn’t be here without them.
"I am very close with my parents… But at the end of the day, even though I may not know at the time, they are wishing the very best for me and it’s because they care and love me."
Newshub.
