Golf: Ko just getting better, says coach

Lydia Ko has to take her game to another level. Photo / Getty Images

Producing follow-up acts to rival your previous stunning performances is never easy.

Lydia Ko is looking at this conundrum as she starts her second full season on the LPGA Tour next week at the Coates Golf Championship in Florida.

You've probably read all about Ko's remarkable 2014, which included a million-dollar pay-day and multiple tournament victories, while she ended the year as the No2 player in the women's game; all as a 17-year-old.

Now the challenge is there for the Kiwi to take her game to another level and her coach David Leadbetter believes it is possible.

"It's always tough when you've had such a tremendous year but she's got some goals set," Leadbetter said. "I think the most important thing is to just keep improving in different areas.

"Nothing surprises me with Lydia because she's a very special person and a very special player."

After Ko has played in Florida, she will likely travel to LPGA Tour events in the Bahamas and Melbourne before the New Zealand Women's Open at Clearwater in Christchurch from February 27 to March 1.

One of the only things Ko didn't manage to do last year was put her name on the trophy at a major but Leadbetter predicted it was only a matter of time until she changed that.

"Obviously the next step is to win a major, she's got the game for that."

Leadbetter said one of their major focuses during her time off was working on her wedge play, particularly controlling her distances with them.

"She's making some nice progress there."

Ko is yet to miss a cut in a professional event.