Lydia Ko: Coaching split was my call

New Zealand's Lydia Ko with caddie Jason Hamilton during the final round of the womens golf. Rio Olympics Games 2016, Rio de Janeiro. Photo John Cowpland / www.photosport.co.nz

Lydia Ko insists it was her call to change her coaching team.

The world number one parted ways with David Leadbetter and his golf academy last week after a successful three year partnership.

Leadbetter criticised Ko's parents for their role in the split and for playing an overbearing role in her game.

But in her first comments since the split was announced, Ko's told LPGA.com that while she discussed her decision with her parents, she made the final decision to change.

Ko said stopping work with Leadbetter and Sean Hogan was a very hard decision to make and it wasn't all result related.

Leadbetter was the first to announce the separation, releasing a statement last week. In subsequent interviews, he criticized Ko's parents for their role in not only the split but their management of Ko's game. "It's been difficult the last few months, when she's hearing more than one voice," Leadbetter told GolfChannel.com.

"I think I have, yes, sometimes been too reliant on my parents because I am so used to being with them," Ko told LPGA.com. "But I think I need to learn more about taking ownership and making my own decisions."

"Of course I discussed my decision with my parents," Ko explained. "They gave their opinions, too. But at the end of the day I made the final decision to change. My parents are a big part of my golfing career and I know I wouldn't be here without them."

Ko says she felt like she needed to be a bit more consistent in ball striking, especially with the driver and hopes the changes give her more confidence.

Ko is also reportedly making a change in equipment from Callaway to PXG Golf during the off-season, which makes the split with Leadbetter and his team just the latest in a series of big changes by Ko who is only now beginning to realize the scrutiny that surrounds each of her choices.

"They say when it's working why change?" said Ko. "Even though I have made quite a few changes the past few months, I guess I didn't realize until people started pointing it out to me. But I don't regret making them."