Ko Secures Women's Australian Open Title


Lydia Ko proved why she's the new No. 1 in women's golf. On Sunday the composed and skillful 17-year-old New Zealander closed with a 2-under 71 to finish at 9-under 283 and win the Women's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne by two strokes.

Ko, in only her second start as the world's top-ranked female player, carded two birdies, an eagle on the par-4 third hole, and two bogeys to finish two clear of South Korea's Amy Yang. Ko's eagle came when she holed out a pitch shot from off the green.

Play was suspended for 90 minutes early in the round due to the threat of lightning in the area. The pause seemed to help Ko, who became the youngest player ever to win the event.

"I think that break was really good for me," Ko said. "I had some lunch and got my stuff together there and I played much better after that."

At age 14, Ko became the youngest golfer to win a professional event after capturing the New South Wales Open. Ko is also the youngest player - man or woman - to be ranked first in the world.

Ko believes she has an affinity for the Australian courses. "I've always played well in Australia, so it's always cool coming back here," she said. "It's great. I played pretty solid. I think that's a really important thing and to win on such an amazing golf course."

Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn began the final round tied for the lead with Ko, but the 19-year-old finished with a 76 to drop into third at 288. South Koreans Chella Choi (72) and Ilhee Lee (71) tied for fourth at 290 with American Jenny Shin, who carded the low round of the day, a 4-under 69.

Ending up sharing seventh at 291 were Julieta Granada, Ha Na Jang, Minjee Lee, Paz Echeverria and Charley Hull. 2012 champion Jessica Korda tied for 12th at 292 with two others.

Defending champion Karrie Webb carded her second straight 71 to end up T-16 at 1-over 293. After posting a promising 70 in the third round, another local favorite, Katherine Kirk, skied to a 78 and also finished at 293.

The victory was the sixth of Ko's budding LPGA career. Ko feels she's in a place where her self-assuredness will carry her to greater glory. "It's good to know that just from my confidence that I can still play good and not really think about the world rankings," she said.

For all the scores, visit http://alpg.com.au/tournament.php?id=2375&pid=1150&sec=lb.