Lydia Ko: World No 1 plans to retire by the time she's 30

Women's world No 1 Lydia Ko has revealed she's planning to retire from golf by the time she's 30 and become a psychologist.

The 17-year-old makes her second start of the season in Thursday's Women's Australian Open and tees off in a group that includes reigning European Order of Merit champion Charley Hull. 

While Ko is currently among the world's elite, the teenager will soon start an on-line psychology degree to prepare for life after golf.

LPGA Tour Golf

"I say my plan is to retire when I'm 30 so I'm not just going to go to the beach and hang out for the rest of my life," Ko said. "There's always a second career that comes along with it and I'm trying to build up towards it and, because I'm playing a sport, psychology links well with it."

Ko finished second in the LPGA's 2015 tour opener in Florida last month to become the youngest player of either gender to become world No 1, breaking the record set by Tiger Woods by almost four years.

In her second year as a pro, Ko isn't putting too much pressure on herself to win a major this year.

"Last year I had two top-10 finishes (in majors) which was better than the year before when I had one," Ko added. "I'm looking for more consistency in playing majors, then one day that will give me a chance to be around the lead."

Defending champion Karrie Webb won at Melbourne's Victoria Golf Club last year and returns to the competition looking for a record sixth Australian Open title.