Lydia Ko Joins Callaway, Hires Leadbetter as Coach

Budding LPGA superstar Lydia Ko has officially signed on as a Callaway Golf staff player, according to numerous reports. In addition, Ko has hired big-time golf instructor David Leadbetter as her swing coach. Ko, 16, broke onto the golf scene in 2013 as an amateur who basically destroyed every tournament in which she played. Left in the dust because of this move, unfortunately, is Ko's long-time coach Guy Wilson, who had worked with Ko for 11 years. You know, since she was about 5 years old.

As the AP reports, Wilson isn't taking the break-up that well.

Guy Wilson, who has worked with the 16-year-old Ko for 11 years, issued a statement saying he was "incredibly disappointed" the partnership is over. Ko hasn't publicly commented on the decision.

You can't really blame Wilson for being disappointed. While no self-respecting swing golf will say this publicly, Wilson had as much to gain from Ko's Callaway deal as the young golf phenom. Chances are Callaway sold Ko on hiring Leadbetter, who has worked with numerous golfers sponsored by the golf equipment powerhouse.

Forever the company salesman, Leadbetter told Golf Channel reporters that his assistance must have helped Ko win the Swinging Skirts event in Taiwan.