New Zealand teenage golfer Lydia Ko says she may switch to the professional ranks within a year following a second-place finish at the Evian Championship in France.
World No.1 amateur Ko closed with a one-under 70 to finish on eight-under in the year’s fifth and final major championship, two strokes behind Norway’s Suzann Pettersen, who closed with a 68.
Ko produced easily her strongest performance at a major and the best by a Kiwi woman, surpassing Lynnette Brooky’s 12th placing at the 2002 US Open.
The 16-year-old Auckland schoolgirl began the third and final round level with Pettersen in second place, one shot behind Japan’s Mika Miyazato.
She shot three birdies and two bogeys, the second of which on the 13th hole helped Pettersen open up a two-stroke lead which she retained over the closing holes.
American teenager Lexi Thompson was third, two shots behind Ko in a tournament reduced to 54 holes after rain washed out the opening day at Evian-Les-Bains.
She claimed the leading amateur honours for the sixth time in seven major appearances.
However, she indicated at the post-tournament press conference that a switch to the professional ranks is looming, potentially within the next 12 months.
Last month’s successful defence of her Canadian Open title and this week’s result will see discussions with her support team accelerate.
“The next time you see me I may be a pro,” Ko said.
“You know, it’s very soon. But it’s not only what I’m saying, it’s my parents and everything. They have a big say in it as well.”
Pettersen, who won a 13th career title and second major to lift her career earnings beyond $US11 million ($A11.9 million), is sure Ko will forge a successful professional career.