New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has picked up a NZ$1.5 million bonus to end her LPGA season.
The New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Ko finished tied for seventh at the Tour Championship in Florida, one shot behind her nearest rival Inbee Park of South Korea.
That was enough to earn the 18-year-old world number one the Player of the Year Award and the financial bonus for the top money earner of the year.
American Christie Kerr won the Tour Championship tournament.
Ko had five tour victories this year, including her first major, the Evian Championship in France.
Her career earnings have now topped $US5 million.
"I'm happy that the season is over and I can relax now," said Ko, last year's Rookie of the Year. "It was kind of a tough day. I tried to stay patient all day. Every emotion went through me."
Ko secured Player of the Year honors, while Park narrowly edged her out for the Vare Trophy for the season's lowest scoring average.
.@cristiekerr asked "who won the $1 million", found out it was @LydiaKo & turned to her and said "you're so rich" pic.twitter.com/Bm8JOkpSAY
— Molly Gallatin (@molly_gallatin) November 22, 2015
