29 Apr 2011

Bob Charles impressed with wonder-teens

10:37 am on 29 April 2011

New Zealand golfing great Sir Bob Charles says there's no rush for wonder-teens Lydia Ko and Cecilia Cho to rush into professional ranks, despite some recent fantastic results.

New World Number One Lydia Ko at 14 became the youngest New Zealand Amateur golf champion in the 117 year history of the event.

But the legend urged both her and Cecilia Cho to fine tune their games for many more years before they turn professional.

Of Ko Charles says winning both the strokeplay and the matchplay titles is very impressive in the same week.

Her history making feats made her the youngest World Number One in history at the age of 13 before winning the matchplay.

Charles believes they have the right attitude to succeed in the game on the world stage as they're dedicated and hard working.

But the 1963 Open Champion says one of the reasons he was successful as a professional was he turned pro at the right time.

LPGA Tour membership age requirements require a golfer to be 18, although some players have successfully petitioned for an exemption to join at age 17.