Why Lydia Ko fans shouldn't panic

Lydia Ko. Photo / AP

Don't panic, Lydia Ko fans.

Her former coach Guy Wilson says the Kiwi wonder golfer has changed her swing but it's too early to start suggesting her game is in trouble.

The 18-year-old just missed a cut for the first time, at the latest LPGA major in New York, and lost her world number one ranking after a small run of below par finishes by her exceptional standards.

Wilson guided Ko from precocious kid to the top of world amateur golf, but was replaced by the renowned David Leadbetter team soon after she turned professional in late 2013.

The North Harbour-based Wilson watches much less of Ko these days due to a change in golf rights coverage in New Zealand.

Ko since last win at Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic
41st at Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout (Finised even par)
16th at Kingsmill Championship (5-under)
27th at Manulife LPGA Classic (10-under)
Missed cut at Women's PGA Championship (2-over)
Total: 13-under

"I am told her swing has changed quite a lot over the last few months," said Wilson.

"She is trying to get more of a draw...the path of the backswing is inside on the way back and a bit steep at the top. There is no right or a wrong way, just his (Leadbetter's) way of coaching.

"It's definitely different from our teaching methods but it works for a lot of good players.

"Ideally we had the club working on a neutral path with the downswing matching the back swing. It was an efficient method and why she hit a lot of fairways and greens. It's hard to know what is going on behind the scenes but she might still be in a transition period."

The draw can add distance. Ko has also reportedly changed her putter six times in a year but Wilson said that was of no concern at all.

"She often changed her putter...players change the putter and driver more than any other clubs," he said.

"She would change the grip, change the length of the grip, the shape of the head. She might have a different putter every month. If anything the putter is like jewellery to a young woman...you change it and feel better."

Wilson said top men's players finish down the field without attracting comment. Ko was experiencing what professional sport is all about.

"The difference is, we aren't used to seeing this with Lydia," said Wilson.

"I wouldn't say she is in trouble...you would have to wait a few more weeks before you could start thinking her game has turned to s***.

"She had it going for a number of holes (in New York) but had a horror start in the second round and this showed how simply a player can miss a cut on the LPGA. Until she falls to 20th in the world...there is no need to panic."

Leadbetter has recently said Ko is risking burnout. He was also reported as urging Ko to "think carefully" before leaving Wilson. Ko's mother approached the Leadbetter camp because Wilson was unable to move to the United States.