Teen star Ko files petition with LPGA to turn pro

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Amateur sensation Lydia Ko is turning pro and has asked the LPGA Tour to waive its age limit.

The 16-year-old from New Zealand already has won twice on the LPGA Tour — both times at the Canadian Women’s Open. She also contended at the Evian Championship in the fifth and final major of the year.

The LPGA Tour says commissioner Mike Whan is returning from Asia and will review the petition. Whan will decide whether to waive the tour’s minimum age requirement of 18.

Ko’s mother told Golf Channel’s website that her daughter plans to play the LPGA Titleholders in November as a professional.

Lexi Thompson won an LPGA Tour event at 16. She was granted membership and played her first LPGA event in 2012 as a member the day before turning 17.

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