LISTEN ABOVE AS MATT BROWN ASSESSES REPORTS LYDIA KO HAS CHANGED COACHES

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has reportedly parted ways with her coach and will have a new caddie on her bag at the Australian Open starting Thursday.

The world's 10th ranked player, who held the number one spot last year, has hired a new coach to replace Gary Gilchrist, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.

A spokesperson for Gilchrist told Radio Sport that they would not comment on the report and that all queries should be directed at Ko.

Ko's management team also wouldn't comment on the report.

According to the Adelaide Advertiser, Ko will begin the 2018 season with a new coach and a new caddie, much like the 2017 season. However the newspaper did not name the new coach.

The Advertiser also reports that Johnny Scott, the long-time caddie of veteran British golfer Laura Davies, will carry the two-time major winner's bag this week.

Scott would be Ko's 11th caddie since she turned pro in 2013. Peter Godfrey caddied for Ko during the LPGA Tour last year after replacing Gary Matthews in April.

Lydia Ko will have her 11th caddie since turning pro in 2013. Photo / Getty Images

Ko, who hasn't won a tournament since July 2016, told the Advertiser that she lost confidence last year as she fell down the world rankings.

"Confidence is a huge thing," she said. "During the middle of last year I felt I lost a bit of confidence.

"Talent wise it does not change week-in, week-out, it is really confidence and how positive you are.

"I took time off to regroup and rest physically and mentally. The past month I have been training back in the states and it is good to come back and play this tournament, my first for the season."

Ko recently described her 2017 season as an 'emotional roller coaster ride'.

The 20-year-old failed to add to her 14 career LPGA titles in 2017 having a down year for end high standards but still finished second in three events and had 11 top tens across the year.

She held the number one spot until midway through June before slipping down to world number nine at season's end.

 

2017 has been a year that have taken me on an up and down emotional roller coaster ride... however when I reflect back on my year now, I think every moment has been an experience to grow from, and a learning curve for me both on and off the golf course. Though some may class my season “disappointing”, but I would say, that my ‘17 season was still full of positives. Cant say enough thank you’s to god, my family, friends, sponsors and fans for being by my side each step of the way ❤️ Going to keep working hard to come back more positive, patient, strong and smiley!!! Thanks 2017, now, Hello 2018 ✌️

A post shared by Lydia Ko (@lydsko) on Dec 30, 2017 at 4:01pm PST