24 Nov 2014

Ko wins biggest payday in womens' golf history

12:03 pm on 24 November 2014

Lydia Ko has claimed the biggest pay day in women's golf history after winning the LPGA's season ending Tour Championship in Florida and picking up nearly $1.9 million.

Lydia Ko at the 2014 LPGA Championship in New York.

Lydia Ko at the 2014 LPGA Championship in New York. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Ko already secured a $1.26 million bonus prize before heading into a three-way play-off for winning the LPGA's season points race as the tour's top money earner.

The world number three finished tied first with Carlota Ciganda of Spain and Julieta Granada of Paraguay after the final round in Florida.

The trio then entered a three-way playoff with Granada the first to drop out after bogeying the second playoff hole.

Ko and Ciganda then tied the third playoff hole before the Spaniard skewed her approach shot on the 4th playoff hole, effectively handing Ko the title, who duly two putted to claim the monumental payout.

The $630,000 winners cheque combined with the $1.26 million bonus doubles her career earnings at the end of her rookie season as a professional, in which she won three LPGA titles.

The 17-year-old earlier sealed the big prize when the money leader heading into the tournament, world number one American Stacey Lewis, failed to finish high enough up the leaderboard.

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Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko Lorena playing in the Ochoa Invitational Golf Tournament, Mexico City, on 16 November. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

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