LPGA Rookie of the Year Lydia Ko Talks About Her Dreamlike Season

Lydia Ko clinched the LPGA rookie of the year award this week, becoming the youngest ever to accomplish the feat.

The New Zealander caught the world's attention in 2012 when she secured the CN Canadian Women's Open as an amateur.

In October 2013, she turned professional and received membership for the 2014 season by LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan.

So how's the Kiwi adjusting to life on tour? Ko spoke with Bleacher Report during the Lorena Ochoa Invitational about this and other key issues of her rookie season. 

Bleacher Report: You're the youngest-ever LPGA rookie of the year; can you share your thoughts on that?

Lydia Ko: It's a huge honor to have my name amongst the legends and very successful players; it has been a fun rookie year. It's good that next year I'm going to be able to say I'm not a rookie anymore.

B/R: Can you talk about how you have adjusted to the LPGA now that you're a member?

LK: The hardest thing has been being away from home and on the road most of the time. I guess as time goes by I get more used to it. Thankfully, I played 11 LPGA events last year, so I kind of knew what was going on out there. It was a really good experience for me.

B/R: Do you feel any particular difference now that you're a professional golfer?

LK: I think they are little things, like prize money. I don't think about money when I'm playing, but it is a difference between being an amateur and a pro.

B/R: How has your relationship been with the other players?

LK: They have been very welcoming. As I play with them, get paired with them, we get to know [each other] a little bit better. Everyone has been very nice.

B/R: This year you have already won twice, plus you have 13 top-10 finishes. Do you have hefty goals for 2015?

LK: I just want to have fun and try to do the same I've been doing this season. It was memorable to secure two victories. The more wins you have, the better, of course, but I'm just going to go out and do my best. It's not all about me; there are a lot of good players out here.

B/R: Has it been tough to juggle between playing, practicing and talking to the media and the sponsors?

LK: It's hard sometimes. For example, when you are in the middle of your practice and you have to come out and do something that's not related to it, but it's part of tour life; those are the things that come along as a professional golfer. I'll get used to it as time goes.

B/R: As a teenager, is it difficult to cope with all that's happening around you?

LK: I don't think it's tough. Everyone is friendly, and it's not the kind of place [the tour] where everyone is thinking about it. That makes it so much easier.

B/R: So how's a day like when you don't have to practice or go to a tournament?

LK: I chill out at home. I don't really like to do many things, because most of the time I'm busy. I love watching TV and chill out.

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