Her success was an illustration of what hard work, discipline and desire could create. She was a great role model and Charles hoped many others would take up the sport to keep them off the streets and away from electronic games.
"If they get into golf there are all sorts of upsides," he added. "I have played professionally for more than 50 years and she has an opportunity for an extended period in the game which should bring her many victories, some majors and financial security."
Ko won three LPGA titles in her rookie year, icing the season with a $630,000 playoff victory in Florida boosted by a $1.26 million bonus for nailing the season-long points race. It was a huge result for Ko who went through changes this year, basing herself in Florida and swapping to work with new coach David Leadbetter.
Charles had not seen enough of Ko's work to comment on the coaching swap but the logistics made sense if she was based in the States. Her success was not the result of one special attribute or skill.
"It is the combination of a lot of things," said Charles. "She is the full package. She has a wonderful repeating golf swing. This game is not about how many good shots you make, it is how few bad shots you hit. She is a short but accurate hitter, fairways and greens are her forte and the ingredients to good scores.
"She has got the mental side of the game sorted. Nothing breeds success like success and she has the confidence from that.
"She does not appear to get rattled or in any way get upset or get down on herself. You see a lot of players who spit and curse and slam their clubs but she is the total opposite."
Charles managed to watch Ko play a couple of the sudden-death playoff holes at Christchurch Airport before flying north this week where he attended a golf function and inspected three new courses being built in Auckland. The 78-year-old spent time at the Wainui layout which will replace Peninsula in 2016, the private course at Te Arai being built for US fund manager Ric Kayne and the new Manukau course in Alfriston.
During his career, Charles was renowned as one of the best putters on tour with his deadly bullseye.
"I accepted I would have some bad days but I never lost confidence. If you master your technique you don't wonder if you have a misread or a miscue. It is about repetition and belief and confidence."
Charles was adamant Ko should not make any significant alterations to her style. She had developed a strong swing with Guy Wilson that suited her and had brought her regular success.
"I have seen so many people make changes they thought would be for the better but not too many have worked," said Charles. "I stuck with my swing and only tinkered with it slightly. When the heat goes on and you need to score you have to be able to pull the trigger. I believe in the basics and Lydia's performances have shown she does not need to tinker with her game.
"She has the temperament and attitude, her tempo is magnificent and her control is great. Her rhythm and tempo allow her to control the ball rather than the ball controlling her."
That skill was influential during Ko's playoff victory when she produced a succession of similar shots to wear down her opponents. She was already the best woman in NZ professional golf history.
