Golf: Summer rest puts an end to wrist worries as Ko prepares for NZ Open

Lydia Ko plans psychology studies as well as golfing this year. Photo / AP

Lydia Ko has no concerns about her previously troublesome wrist as she eyes the first LPGA Tour event of the season.

The Kiwi golfer will start her 2015 campaign at the Coates Golf Championship in Florida on Thursday after enjoying a period of rest, which has allowed her body to recover from a busy rookie year on tour.

During the latter stages of last year, it was expected that Ko would have surgery on her wrist because of a cyst that became inflamed when she played.

Going under the knife could have put her availability in doubt for next month's New Zealand Open at Clearwater but the world No 2 avoided an operation.

"It's feeling fine. Getting the rest during the off-season put a lot of pressure off and I was able to receive continuous treatment on it," Ko told the Herald.

After winning the LPGA Tour's order of merit - referred to as the Race to the CME Globe - last year, Ko will start the new season as one of the players to watch; she will also be chasing the No 1 world ranking held by Korea's Inbee Park.

Finding a way to back up last season's efforts would be tough but she was determined to avoid the dreaded "second-year syndrome".

"I'd like to continue the consistent form that I had last year. Hopefully I won't have the sophomore jinx," Ko said.

"The number of tournaments that I play will be similar to last year but this time I am familiar with most of the courses so I'll be a bit more comfortable my second time around.

"I think as long as I'm putting in the right work and being injury-free, I won't have to deal with the sophomore jinx. Maintaining the same regular routine that has worked for me should be the key."

After this week's event in Florida, Ko will play in the Bahamas and Melbourne before lining up at the New Zealand Open from February 27-March 1. She finished second at last year's tournament but claimed the title in 2013 as an amateur.

Ko will also study psychology this year through Seoul's Korea University, which should help break up the monotony of travelling, training and playing.

"I'm going to have a lot of reading to do during my break times," the 17-year-old said.

"Luckily, I'm accustomed to doing my homework on the road as I did it last year.

"My university has been very supportive and understanding but I want to put in all the work that I need to attain the credits that I need to."

Ko's coach, David Leadbetter, who has previously voiced his thoughts around Ko's need for a hobby away from the game, said it was a positive thing that she had chosen to pursue university studies.

"I think it's a welcome distraction," he said. "It's always good to have something other than golf, just to get your mind off it."