Lydia Ko, 16-year-old from New Zealand, gets LPGA membership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The LPGA Tour is waiving its age requirement to let 16-year-old Lydia Ko become a member.

Ko was 15 when she became the youngest winner of an LPGA event last year at the Canadian Women's Open. She defended her title in Canada this year. Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, Ko will join the tour for the start of the 2014 season.

She petitioned the LPGA Tour to waive its requirement that members be at least 18.

LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan granted her request Monday. Whan says it's not often than a rookie already is a two-time LPGA champion.

Ko says it has been her dream to play the LPGA Tour and that she hopes to inspire other girls to take up golf.