Andrew Alderson: Time for Ko to go pro?

Lydia Ko drives on the 17th tee at St Andrews Old Course. Photo /Getty Images

Should Lydia Ko turn professional now?

The simple answer is: that's nobody's business but Ko's after perhaps consulting with those closest to her; her parents, sister and the man who has coached her since she was six - Guy Wilson from the Institute of Golf.

Still, it's a worthy debate. The 16-year-old has played the best women in the world at St Andrews over the last four days and made the cut. She was awarded the Smyth Salver for the best amateur a second straight year (sharing it with Brit Georgia Hall). As a professional she would have earned approximately $17,000 for a 42nd place tie and has already sacrificed in excess of $500,000 from previous wins, including the Canadian Open she will defend later this month. The British Open winner, American Stacy Lewis, received a cheque for about $515,000. The cash is out there.

Ko showed a countenance and maturity playing in some of the toughest golfing conditions this week which suggest mental tenacity. Minor errors brought the hazards of pot bunkers, gorse bushes, No.8 wire fences and even a gravel path into play. Gusts were estimated at 65km/h on the third day which saw the siren suspend play the moment Ko exited the 18th green. Her temperament held. She is currently a marketing asset to sponsors. If she doesn't strike now, a younger version of Ko will be along soon to seize similar opportunities.

Now hang on a minute. Isn't Ko being forced to grow up in an adult (or at least young adult) world where she is missing out on a 'regular' childhood?

Make no mistake, golf dominates her life. Wilson's suggestion after the first round was telling. He said when his charge has a 'day off', it normally means only two to three hours' practice. In the afternoon following her first round she returned to perfect her pitching and putting. At least Wilson makes it palatable; he owes her three hamburgers from the last time they had a wager on this.

Fortunately Ko is still at school (she will study and sit exams upon returning home in September) so she gets some interaction with her peers. Having mum Tina and coach Wilson tour with her to St Andrews means at least she was not a young woman alone.

Ko's mum had discussions with LPGA executives this week to assess the options for her daughter. There is a feeling she might be able to balance life at an American university on a golfing scholarship while playing professionally. If an option exists where golf does not totally consume her life and she get skills beyond simply swinging clubs, it seems a good one. The fact she comfortably passed her year 11 exams last year is also reassuring.

In a perfect world Ko could scrape by with the financial support of her family, sponsors and the $230,000 offered by High Performance Sport New Zealand in their December future investment table which recognised golf's inclusion in the 2016 Olympics. The blurb said: "Golf is an Olympic sport with an individual athlete with a moderate probability of podium success. Investment is to support Lydia Ko to maintain her No.1 status on the amateur world rankings, move within the top 30 positions on the professional world rankings, and track towards Rio."

As with most modern sporting decisions the final call is likely to come down to money.

While Ko's still only 16 years and 104 days old, she seems in a stronger position than Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson, others who circumvented the 18-year-old rule to either become professionals, play on the LPGA or both. Both Wie and Thompson went pro at 15 and joined the LPGA later. They relied on sponsors' exemptions and contracts to get by initially. Wie is now 24 and Thompson is 18, neither has won a major. They have won two tournaments each on either the LPGA or Ladies European Tour. Wie was ranked 80th in the world at the start of the week, Thompson was 26th; Ko was 17th.

If Ko turns pro, pressure on her will only increase. Already many of the world's highest profile media organisations like the BBC and ESPN have acknowledged her efforts. The World Golf Hall Of Fame asked for a piece of memorabilia after her Canadian Open win; a left-hand glove is now in their collection.

Her career options appear limitless over the next few years. Hopefully the golf remains enjoyable.