20 Apr 2017

Tataurangi calls for calm Ko

6:34 am on 20 April 2017

Former New Zealand PGA Tour pro Phil Tataurangi has urged world number one, Lydia Ko, to free her mind on the golf course.

Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Ko fired her South African caddie, Gary Matthews, on the weekend, just nine tournaments into their partnership.

The 19-year-old has struggled for consistency since changing caddies, clubs and coaches at the end of last year but produced her best finish of the season in Hawaii last weekend.

Tataurangi says Ko's over-thinking her game too much nowadays but believes she showed signs of returning to her best in Hawaii.

"What it seems like over the weekend was she was reacting to the hole and reacting to her talents and letting them free ride and when she does that, that's when she plays her best.

"I would have no doubt that some pretty strong performances are around the corner for her," Tataurangi said.

Tataurangi said the chemistry between a player and caddie is vital to success on the tour and believes Ko's still searching for the perfect balance.

He said it doesn't concern him that she keeps changing caddies as she's proven she can win with anyone on her bag.

Phil Tataurangi says Ko's already decided who her new caddie is but wouldn't reveal who it is.

Meanwhile fellow New Zealand professional Danny Lee has teamed back up with his coach - Drew Streckel, after parting ways with him at the end of last year to work with his uncle.

-RNZ