Lydia Ko is an unquestionable talent, one of the top three players of her profession. Sadly, she’s also gained a reputation for making impulsive – critics would say imprudent – decisions.

Case in point: despite finishing second at the LPGA’s Lotte Championship last weekend, the 19-year-old fired caddie Gary Matthews. The pair lasted just nine events together.

If that sounds familiar, it should; Ko gave the boot to Justin Hamilton in October after the duo won four times in 2016. In just longer than three years, Ko has now gone through nine loopers.

The catalyst behind these moves is no secret. After parting ways with Ko in December, renowned instructor David Leadbetter was outspoken in the role Ko’s parents play in her life, saying it was time Lydia became captain of her own ship. From afar, it doesn’t appear Ko has grabbed the wheel in 2017.

In their defense, her camp has guided Ko to this juncture; conversely, this arena is filled with heart-wrenching stories of guardians overstepping their bounds. Hopefully Ko doesn’t become a cautionary tale.