Teen LPGA star Lydia Ko leaves coach she started with at age 5

Sixteen-year-old Lydia Ko, the youngest winner in the history of the LPGA tour, has split with the only coach she has ever had.

Ko had been working with Guy Wilson -- both are from New Zealand -- for 11 years before announcing the breakup Monday. She has recently been working with teachers at David Leadbetter Golf Academy in the U.S.

“It’s obviously sad to stop with Guy, because he’s been a great coach and a great friend as well,” she told TVNZ’s One Sport. “But it’s just important to know that we still are good friends, which is quite good because sometimes it might not end well in both ways.”

Wilson issued a statement saying that he was disappointed by the split.

Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, Ko set an age record by winning the Canadian Open at 15 last year and more recently defended her title.

Wilson had not been able to join her on the tour, which bothered Ko. Also, she plans to be based in the U.S., while her former coach remains in New Zealand.

ALSO:

Kelly vs. Kiffin: NFC East showdown has a Pac-12 flair

Peyton Manning sets TD record on otherwise crazy NFL Sunday

Eagles honor cheerleader-turned-soldier on her return from Afghanistan