Lydia Ko, the world's top-ranked female amateur golfer, has decided to turn professional.

The 16-year-old announced her decision via social media on Wednesday.

Ko, who was born in South Korea but has lived in New Zealand for 10 years, made the announcement via her Twitter feed with a link to a YouTube video in which she appears with one of the country's top rugby players, Israel Dagg.

"Made a monumental decision today with a little help from my @AllBlacks friend @Izzy_Dagg #LOVEGolf," Ko tweeted.

All Blacks back Dagg spends the entire video, that lasts almost five mintues, asking Ko when she will make the decision.

"When are you going pro? I want to be the first one to know," Dagg asks, only for Ko to tell him she still has things to work on with her game.

Ko finally confirms the decision after making a long putt to 'beat' Dagg in their round.

"Okay I'll do it, turn pro," Ko says. "Right now, right this second. Definitely."

Ko said she hoped to play her first tournament as a professional in Florida in mid-November.

The teenager has won four professional tournaments as an amateur.

Her mother said this month that they had asked the LPGA tour to issue her an exemption for her to become a member.

Reuters

(China Daily 10/24/2013 page23)