Lydia Ko Wins Back-to-Back Opens

Lydia Ko wins 2015 ISPS Handa Women’s New Zealand Open

World No.1 Lydia Ko carded a one-under-par 71 final round at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open and finished at 14-under-par, four shots clear of Australian amateur Hannah Green, who equalled the lowest round of the day with a four-under-par 68, to finish outright second. Charley Hull, Ko’s closest challenger throughout the Open, got within two of Ko after 10 holes but fell away over the final eight holes to finish in a share of sixth at seven-under-par.

Lydia Ko came to Christchurch this week for the first time as world No. 1 and with her adopted nation’s high expectations weighing on her young shoulders. The local talk was not whether the 17-year-old would win the New Zealand Women’s Open at Clearwater for the second time in three years but by how much.

This is even better than I would ever have imagined. It’s just great to have won the two Opens back to back. – Lydia Ko

Ko didn’t disappoint and the young golfing superstar thrilled record galleries, setting a course record and her personal best round of 11-under 61 on Saturday before closing today with a one-under 71 to claim the crown by four shots from Australian amateur Hannah Green.

Ko continues to break records. This week she became the first person to win the New Zealand title for the second time in its seven-year history and her 14-under total for the 54 holes of 202 was four shots better than the previous record which she shared jointly with Australian Lindsey Wright.

Ko started the final round leading last year’s leading European money-winner, Charley Hull, by three shots and with birdies on the first two holes quickly extended her lead to five.