The mentor of Lydia Ko's latest conqueror is delighted to have had a foot in both camps at the ANA Inspiration.
And he sees no reason why the former world number one can't win another major and get back on the path to greatness.
The Kiwi golfer carded a record-breakingfinal round at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, after carding a 10-under 62, including eight birdies and an eagle, to end the tournament on 16-under.
Her seven-under 29 front nine set the ANA nine-hole scoring record, and tied the lowest nine-hole score at any major championship.
Ko then hit two further birdies to begin her back nine before recording another on the 15th hole to tie the ANA Inspiration's 18-hole record and be one shot shy of the record for the lowest round in any women's major.
However, she still finished two strokes behind Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit, who's coached by former PGA Tour player and one-time winner Grant Waite.
"I always cheer for any New Zealander who's playing in professional golf and is just anywhere near the leaderboard. I'm always a fan of that," Waite told the Herald from the United States.
"I'm obviously a New Zealander hoping that she [Ko] plays very well, so that was great, but on the same token, I coach Patty and it's my responsibility to help her win. So Lydia was making me very nervous to say the least, but in the long run, it was great for Patty to withstand something like that."
Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand, celebrates after winning the LPGA's ANA Inspiration. Photo / AP
On reflection, Waite acknowledges the outcome couldn't have been any better.
"It was great for both Lydia and Patty. Lydia knows she's back now, she knows she can compete and she's a world-class golfer. She knows a win for her is just a matter of time now because she feels comfortable with her game. For Patty it was great for her to withstand a legend making an historic charge in the final round to try and catch her, and then close out the tournament.
"So it was great for both players, but better for Patty because she won the tournament."
Waite believes Ko has set the standard for the women's game, inspiring the likes of Tavatanakit, who was in high school when she was dominating tournaments last decade.
"Coming out at such a young age and being able to win at that rate, it shows that it doesn't matter your age, if your game is good enough, then you can win.
"Similar to a Tiger Woods, in the men's Tour, Lydia was opening the realms of possibility in people's minds about what's possible. And she was clearly the best player in women's golf for a long time … she's an inspiration for not only men's golfers but women's as well."
Lydia Ko hits on the first hole during the final round of the LPGA's ANA Inspiration. Photo / AP
After giving him and his protégé a scare, Waite feels Ko can return to the heights that she once did, with the reminder that she's still only 23.
"Lydia in the last two or three years hasn't played at as a high level as she did earlier in her career, which is almost impossible to do because she was at such a high level to begin with.
"So far this year she's had a second and an eighth and a 26th and now she's finished second at this tournament.
"If it was anyone else, you'd say that's a potential superstar in the making, but for most people it's 'well she still hasn't won', so that's the level of the performance she's set for everyone."
Waite's aware that his suggestions are far easier said than done, but it's relatively obvious what Ko needs to do if she's to add to her two majors and 15 LPGA Tour titles.
"She just needs keep playing the way is she is, the difference between winning and losing is a small margin. I'm sure she's now confident in her game and that confidence is what carries you over the edge - you can be really good but if you're still a little worried about your game then it shows up in tournaments. But I think she's now reached that next level in her mind that she did before."
Waite's been so impressed by his compatriot that he's open in his desire to potentially work with her one day.
"Everyone would like to coach Lydia, she's an unusual talent and somebody that, while I don't know her particularly well, seems like a very nice person who treats everyone well, and you'd like to coach anyone like that. But I think she's happy with what she's doing and Sean [Foley] is obviously a great coach as well."
