Fifteen-year-old Lydia Ko is the youngest LPGA Tour winner in history courtesy of her win at the Canadian Women's Open. She was just 14 when she triumphed at the the New South Wales Open in January 2012, becoming the youngest player to win a professional tournament. She clinched the U.S. Amateur Championship two weeks ago.
(CNN) -- Tiger Woods first won on the PGA Tour until he was 20, and world No. 1 Rory McIlroy was 19 when he managed a European Tour success.
Neither can rival the prodigious Lydia Ko, a New Zealand golfer on a record-breaking rise.
Ko's three-shot victory at the Canadian Women's Open, four months and two days after her 15th birthday, made her the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history, and the first amateur to win on the U.S. circuit since JoAnne Carter in 1969.
It has been a stellar year for the South Korea-born teen, with her record-breaking success coming two weeks after her triumph at the U.S. Amateur Championship and seven months after she became the youngest woman to win a pro tournament at the New South Wales Open.
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"It feels amazing," she told New Zealand Golf's official website after Sunday's landmark win, capped off with a final five-under-par round of 67.
"I broke the youngest record in January for the New South Wales Open and to break another record or being in the history books, it's amazing, and it's always awesome to be able to play with the pros.
"So I never knew I had it coming, and I was so happy to win the U.S. Amateur, to win this. I never think about it, I just wanted to make the cut.
"And when I saw that I was tied first after the second day, I was like, wow. I'm feeling really good. And yeah, kind of surprised to have two wins in such a short time."
The tournament at the Vancouver Golf Club came with a $300,000 check for the winner, but Ko will not see a cent of it.
While her amateur status may be detrimental to her bank balance, some seasoned observers are advising she stays among the amateur ranks for a little longer yet.
"In the end it was a pretty comfortable win for a player who is new to this level and competing with the top 48 out of 50 money winners on the LPGA Tour," said New Zealand golfing legend Bob Charles, who won the 1963 British Open.
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"I understand that she has expressed interest in going to college here in the States at Stanford. She has obviously shown that she is good enough but I think she would benefit from a few more years as an amateur. I am pleased to hear that she wants to stay amateur for a few more years and that she intends to get an education behind her.
"While she has endless possibilities with her golf game, you never know what is going to happen and I encourage any young player to keep up the study while they are playing golf to help with other options later in life."
Ko echoed the views of Charles, while stressing she was keen to not forget the amateur scene which has helped her become one of the world's most exciting young golfers.
The teenager is also helped by a wealthy benefactor. Octogenarian David Levene donated some of his $220 million fortune to Ko earlier this year, which meant she could retain her amateur status and continue with her education.
"I'll still remain an amateur and then finish high school and then go to college in the States," Ko said on the LGPA's official website. "I mean this is a great win, but I don't think this will affect me changing my roots to my career."
Rory McIlroy kisses his prize after winning the 94th PGA Championship on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina on Sunday, August 12. See how the action unfolded here.
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Ernie Els of South Africa celebrates with the Claret Jug after his victory during the final round of play at the British Open at the Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in England on Sunday, July 22. See all the action as it unfolds here.
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New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy hailed Ko's triumph as a landmark day in the history of the sport in the country.
"She has delivered one of the great days in New Zealand golf history," said Murphy. "Lydia has beaten a field of world-class professionals at the age of 15.
"It is not only a standout achievement in the history of New Zealand golf but also in the annals of New Zealand sport. Perhaps the most exciting thing with Lydia is, the best is yet to come."
The Auckland-based Ko, who has rocketed 140 places up the world rankings to 45th, will now turn her attention to the British Open -- which begins on September 13.
After finishing tied for 39th at July's U.S. Open, her first major, many will be expecting Ko to carry her current form into one of the sport's four marquee events.
Ko is being backed to succeed by one of her Kiwi forerunners, Marnie McGuire, who managed three third-place finishes -- one outright and two tied -- during her LPGA career.
"She will have more opportunities and obligations than she can possibly fulfill," said the 43-year-old, who turned pro in 1992 after graduating from Oklahoma State University and established herself in Japan before returning to the U.S.
"She needs to make sure she keeps the enjoyment in her game because that is one of the things that has made her successful.
"Yes she has missed out on the $300,000 but it is never about the money. She will be well supported for the rest of her life. It is never about the money though. It is about the achievement of winning and in Lydia's case creating history."
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Guan Tian-Lang, 13, made history as the youngest player at a European Tour event when he teed off at his home China Open in April 2012.
However, he could not better the achievement of Jason Hak, who was 14 when he became the youngest player to make the halfway cut at a European Tour event at the 2008 Hong Kong Open.
Thompson is the youngest player to win on the European Ladies' Tour. Here she receives her trophy at the Dubai Ladies Masters on December 17, 2011.
Carl Pettersson digs in during the final round.
Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh concluding their round.
The crowd goes crazy as Rory McIlroy wins.
Ian Poulter buries himself in bogeys late on Sunday.
Rory McIlroy sinking the winning putt.
Carl Pettersson of Sweden hits out of the sand on the 10th hole.
A general view of the 18th hole during the final round.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after a putt at the 18th hole.
Adam Scott of Australia lines up a putt during round three. Play in the third round resumed Sunday after it was suspended late Saturday due to bad weather.
The Ocean Course's Shingle-style clubhouse overlooks the 18th green. The course previously hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup.
Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland hits out of a bunker on the 18th hole during round three.
Tiger Woods lines up a putt during the third round.
Tim Clark of South Africa hits off the15th tee.
Trevor Immelman of South Africa and his caddy examine the green before a putt.
Woods catches a ball tossed by caddie Joe LaCava on the 14th green.
Tiger Woods hits out of the sand on the 17th hole during the third round.
Vijay Singh, who started the day near the top of the leaderboard, ponders his options before making a putt on the back nine on Sunday.
Surrounded by the gallery, Woods jumps to see his ball after his shot on the15th hole.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his drive from the 16th tee. He took a three-shot lead into the final 18 holes.
Spectators file along the course near the 16th hole to stake out a position for viewing.
Woods, who finished the third round with a 74, wipes his brow between holes.
Singh hits off the 16th tee.
Graeme McDowell blasts out of a sand bunker on Sunday.
Woods tries to reach the green from a bunker on the 17th hole.
Phil Mickelson finished the third round with a 73.
Adam Scott of Australia walks off the course under dark clouds as play is suspended due to rain on Saturday, August 11.
Tiger Woods, left, and Vijay Singh of Fiji walk off the course after the suspension of play.
Changes are made to the leaderboard during a delay in play due to weather Saturday.
Carl Pettersson of Sweden tries a putt from the edge of the green as storm clouds move in.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, who goes into Sunday's play in the lead at 6 under par, hits off the sixth tee.
Woods, who dropped significantly in position Saturday, reacts after a missed putt on the fourth green.
Singh putts on the 18th green Saturday.
Bo Van Pelt of the United States hits a tee shot on the sixth hole.
Phil Mickelson tries for the green from the fairway on the 7th hole.
Aaron Baddeley has experienced peaks and valleys during this championship.
Fans watch the pairing of Graeme McDowell and Phil Mickelson on Saturday.
Jamie Donaldson of Wales hits from the seventh tee.
David Lynn of England hits out of the sand on the 18th hole.
Tiger Woods of the United States hits out of the sand on the seventh hole.
Blake Adams of the United States hits off the first tee.
Jamie Donaldson of Wales, left, and his caddie Mick Donaghy look on from the first tee.
Bill Haas of the United States hits a shot on the seventh hole during round three.
Tiger Woods of the United States hits off the first tee.
Bubba Watson of the United States prepares to hit a shot on the second hole.
Ryo Ishikawa of Japan hits off the fourth tee during round three in South Carolina on Saturday.
Bubba Watson of the United States hits off the seventh tee during Round Three.
Spectators look on as Bubba Watson putts on the first green.
Trevor Immelman of South Africa hits a tee shot during round two.
Justin Rose of England hits a shot off the first fairway during round three on Saturday.
Australia's Adam Scott putts on the 11th green during the second round of the 94th PGA Championship.
Rickie Fowler punches a ball on the 17th hole on Friday.
Hunter Mahan hits out of the sand on the 10th hole.
The wind whips the PGA flags on Friday.
Golf fans watch during the second round of the championship.
Graeme McDowell hits off the 18th tee.
Adam Scott studies the green on the 16th hole.
Phil Mickelson fans for onlookers.
A spectator watches the players from a tree.
Graeme McDowell walks with caddies.
Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia lines up a putt on the 10th green.
England's Roger Chapman, from left, Mark Brooks of the United States and South Africa's Retief Goosen talk on the 2nd tee.
Spain's Sergio Garcia hits off the 15th tee.
Luke Donald of England hits a shot on the 2nd hole.
U.S. player Dustin Johnson hits off the 15th tee during the first round of the 94th PGA Championship on Thursday.
Martin Kaymer of Germany hits a shot from the 10th fairway on Thursday.
U.S. player Tiger Woods hits off the 15th tee.
Woods hits a shot onto the 17th green during round one.
South Africa's Rory Sabbatini hits off the 15th tee.
Woods hits out of a bunker on the 14th hole.
Australian player Greg Chalmers chips in for birdie on the fifth hole.
Martin Kaymer of Germany lines up a putt on the 11th green.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits off the 12th tee.
Woods walks toward the 10th fairway.
Kaymer hits a shot on the 11th hole.
The PGA Championship got off to a gorgeous start Thursday.
Ernie Els tosses his golf ball to the gallery after a birdie putt on the 18th green on Sunday.
Ernie Els reacts to a birdie putt on the 18th green Sunday.
Adam Scott of Australia reacts to a missed par putt on the 18th green Sunday.
Adam Scott reacts to a bogey on the 17th green Sunday.
Adam Scott plays a bunker shot on the 15th hole Sunday.
Adam Scott gestures on the 9th green during his final round on Sunday.
Adam Scott looks at his putting line on a green Sunday.
Ernie Els reacts to a birdie putt on the 18th green Sunday.
Ernie Els reacts to a birdie putt on the 18th green Sunday.
Adam Scott plays out of a bunker on Sunday.
Ernie Els hits his second shot on the 15th hole Sunday.
Ernie Els tees off on the 14th hole Sunday.
Tiger Woods of the United States tries to works his way out of a bunker on the sixth hole Sunday.
Tiger Woods stumbles and watches the path of his bunker shot on the sixth hole Sunday.
Overall leader Adam Scott of Australia hits his tee shot on the fifth hole Sunday.
Scott and caddie Steve Williams watch the action on the first hole Sunday.
Ernie Els of South Africa, who began the day at -5, waves to spectators from the the on the first hole as he begins the final round Sunday.
Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland watches his tee shot on the second hole as Scott looks on.
Woods, who had several bogies on the day, hits his approach shot on the second hole during the final round Sunday.
Woods tips his cap to the crowd on Sunday.
Overall leader Scott, left, waits with McDowell on the first tee during the final round of play.
McDowell tees off on the first hole Sunday.
Scott, who started the day at -11, tees off on the first hole of the final round Sunday.
Andres Romero of Argentina, right, and his guest caddie, soccer player Carlos Tevez of Manchester City, watch the action from the tee on the 12th hole Sunday.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays out of a bunker on the 10th hole Sunday.
K.J. Choi of Korea plays a shot in front of the gallery.
Brandt Snedeker of the United States, who started the day in second place at -7, hits his tee shot on the first hole Sunday.
Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium, who finished with a 279 at one under par, plays a shot from the rough on the 18th hole Sunday.
Adam Scott of Australia hits an approach shot on Saturday, July 21, at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in England during the third round of the British Open on Saturday. Scott finished with a four-shot lead going into the final round of golf's oldest major championship
Tiger Woods hits his second shot on the 17th hole on Saturday. Woods finished the third round alone in fourth place, five shots behind Adam Scott.
Brandt Snedeker of the United States wears a ribbon in sympathy for the Aurora, Colorado, shootings during the third round of the British Open on Saturday.
Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland celebrates making a putt for birdie on Saturday. McDowell and Brandt Snedeker are tied for second, four shots behind leader Adam Scott.
Tiger Woods putts on the 18th green as Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark looks on Saturday. Woods is seeking his first major championship since the 2008 U.S. Open.
Adam Scott of Australia reacts to his putt on the sixth hole on Saturday.
Adam Scott celebrates making a putt for birdie on the eighth hole.
Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark putts on he 18th green. Olesen is in seventh place heading into the final round at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, which is hosting the Open Championship for the 11th time.
Adam Scott of Australia walks to the 16th tee on Saturday.
Jason Dufner of the United States reacts to a missed putt on the 17th green. Dufner struggled to shoot 73 on Saturday and is 10 shots out of the lead.
Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the 17th hole on Saturday.
Spectators watch Olesen extract himself from one of Royal Lytham & St. Annes' many bunkers on Saturday.
Tiger Woods makes some calculations before teeing off at No. 5.
Ernie Els of South Africa hits an approach shot. Els, a three-time major champion, is tied for fifth place with American Zach Johnson, six shots out of the lead.
Woods follows through on his drive at the fifth.
Woods waits to play on the 18th green.
Adam Scott tees off on the fifth hole.
Woods scrambles out of a greenside bunker after hitting the ball close on fifth hole.
Wind whips the flag on the first green at Royal Lytham and St. Annes.
Scott pulls a club as caddie Steve Williams looks on.
Woods recently eclipsed Jack Nicklaus in career wins and is currently No.1 on the PGA Tour money list.
Graeme McDowell tees off on the fifth hole.
Ernie Els follows through on his swing at the first hole.
McDowell squats to line up a putt on the second green.
Olesen blasts out of a bunker at the third hole.
The crowd watches American golfer Bubba Watson, this year's Masters champion.
Snedeker reacts to a poor shot on the 11th hole.
Olesen hits a shot from a bunker on the seventh hole.
Woods celebrates a birdie at No. 6.
Scott rears back for a drive on No.5
Snedeker hits his tee shot on the first hole Saturday.
Olesen watches his tee shot on the first hole as Woods prepares to play.
Spectators at the Open Championship enjoy Saturday's play in ideal golf weather.
Scott follows through on a tee shot.
Mark Calcavecchia of the United States laughs with wife (and caddie) Brenda in the third round.
Lee Westwood of England hits his approach to the 18th green.
Golfers must dress appropriately to play in the Open. Rules for fans are more relaxed.
American John Daly swings at the fifth hole. Daly, who won the Open in 1995, struggled to a 77 Saturday and is in next-to-last place.
Woods follows through.
Bubba Watson tees off at No.5
Fans of young American star Rickie Fowler fans pose in the bleachers at No. 18, dressed in their hero's customary bright, monochrome colors.
Sweden's Alexander Noren fires a fairway wood shot over the long grass at the 11th hole Saturday.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington blasts from a bunker on the 18th hole Saturday.
Rory McIlroy sits as he waits to tee off on the 16th hole.
India's Keev Milkha Singh tries to escape from deep rough.
Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa searches for a lost ball on the third hole. Oosthuizen, the 2010 Open champion, was tied with several players in 10th place after Saturday's play.
Golfer Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand waves to the gallery after making a putt on Saturday.
Luke Donald of England talks with caddie John McLaren.
Els prepares to play on the first tee Saturday.
Spectators follow the flight of Snedeker's ball after a shot from the rough during the second round of the British Open on Friday, July 20
Woods celebrates after holing out from a bunker for birdie on the 18th hole, finishing Friday's second round with a three-under-par 67.
Woods takes practice swings at No. 15 under gray wisps of clouds during Friday's round.
England's Ian Poulter walks off the 18th green during the second round on Friday.
Woods intently watches his chip shot on the 14th hole during the second round.
Australia's Aaron Baddeley follows the flight of a shot during Friday's second round.
A view of leaderboard during the second round on July 20.
Kevin Na plays a shot left-handed during the second round on July 20.
Tiger Woods of the United States tees off on the 11th hole Friday, July 20.
Zach Johnson of the United States watches his tee shot on the 14th hole during the second round Friday.
Ian Poulter of England reacts after missing a birdie putt on the 13th green Friday.
Aaron Baddeley of Australia plays a bunker shot on the fourth hole during the second round Friday.
Vijay Singh of Fiji plays out of the rough on the 13th hole on Friday.
TV towers loom over the course during the second round Friday.
Tiger Woods of the United States reacts to a shot on the seventh hole during the second round Friday.
Matt Kuchar of the United States acknowledges the crowd on the 16th green during the second round Friday.
John Daly of the United States hits a shot from the rough on the 18th hole during the second round Friday.
A marshal gestures during the second round on Friday.
Aerial view of the seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th holes during the second round Friday.
Tiger Woods of the United States hits his second shot on the second hole during the second round Friday.
Brandt Snedeker of the United States tees off on the fifth hole during the second round Friday.
Angel Cabrera of Argentina walks with his group off the fourth tee during the second round of the 141st Open Championship
Zach Johnson of the United States watches his tee shot on the first hole during the second round Friday.
Adam Scott of Australia waits on the fifth hole during the second round Friday.
Keegan Bradley of the United States hits his tee shot on the 11th hole during the second round Friday.
Padraig Harrington of Ireland hits a shot during the second round Friday.
Rory Mcllroy of Northern Ireland reacts to a missed putt on the 17th green during the second round Friday.
Robert Allenby of Australia and his caddy, Darren May, walk alongside a pheasant on the sixth fairway during the second round of the 141st Open Championship on Friday.
Luke Donald of England tees off on the fifth hole during the second round on Friday.
Luke Donald of England hits his tee shot on the 11th hole during the second round on Friday.
John Daly of the United States speaks with his caddy, Peter Van Der Riet, on the second fairway during Friday's second round.
Richard Sterne of South Africa hits from a greenside bunker on the 11th hole during the second round Friday.
Rickie Fowler of the United States reacts after a putt on the 12th green during the second round Friday.
Members of the grounds crew clear water on the course Friday during the second round.
Sergio Garcia of Spain and Tiger Woods of the United States look on at the first tee during the second round Friday.
Harris English of the United States plays a shot from the rough on the sixth hole during the second round on Friday.
Spectators enjoy the action during the second round on Friday.
Tiger Woods makes a tough shot from the rough during the first round of the British Open on Thursday, July 19. Woods finished the Round 3 under par at 67.
Phil Mickelson of the United States hits his tee shot on the 11th hole on Thursday.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland lines up a putt on the ninth green on Thursday.
Jason Blue of Bristol gets medical attention after he was struck by Rory McIlroy's golf ball on the 15th hole on Thursday.
Jason Blue of Bristol poses with a golf glove given to him by Rory McIlroy after he was struck by his golf ball on Thursday.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his second shot on the 14th hole on Thursday.
Brandt Snedeker of the United States reacts to his putt on the 18th hole during the first round on Thursday.
Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium hits his tee shot on the first hole Thursday.
Charles Howell III of the United States plays a shot from the rough on the 14th hole during the first round Thursday.
Spectators watch the action as Sergio Garcia of Spain hits a tee shot during the first round Thursday.
Luke Donald of England hits his third shot on the seventh hole during the first round Thursday.
Phil Mickelson of the United States searches for his golf ball on the eighth hole Thursday.
Padraig Harrington of Ireland hits a shot from the rough on the sixth hole Thursday.
Jbe Kruger of South Africa makes some moves Thursday.
Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie plays a shot from the rough on the eighth hole Thursday.
A fan keeps an eye on first-round action Thursday.
With caddie Michael Waite at his side, Lee Westwood of England removes his jacket during the first round Thursday.
Bubba Watson of the United States hits a tee shot on the fifth hole Thursday.
Fans receive the signal to remain silent during the first round Thursday.
Junior spectators take in the action during the first round Thursday.
Rickie Fowler of the United States walks off the first tee Thursday.
American Zach Johnson watches his iron shot from the second fairway Thursday.
South African Ernie Els waves to the gallery on the 18th hole during the first round Thursday.
Woods reacts to missing a putt on the 13th green Thursday.
Amid a sea of spectators, Woods plays a shot to the green on the 14th hole Thursday.
Adam Scott of Australia plays out of the rough on the second hole Thursday under the watchful eyes of spectators.
Scott looks at the lie of his ball in the deep rough on the 18th hole Thursday.
Golf fans don matching Union Jack suits for early action Thursday, the first day of the British Open.
John Daly of the United States attempts a shot from well off the fairway on the second hole Thursday.
Watson tries to escape a bunker on the seventh hole Thursday.
Ryo Ishikawa of Japan tees off on the fifth hole Thursday.
Spectators lean in to follow a shot out of the rough from Garcia on Thursday.
Garcia, left, lines up a putt Thursday with the help of his caddie Gary Matthews on the second green.
Amateur golfer Alan Dunbar of Northern Ireland leaps up to get a better view on the second hole during the first round of play Thursday.
Bill Haas of the United States plays a shot from a bunker Thursday.
Vijay Singh of Fiji reacts after playing a shot on the third hole Thursday.
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