Christchurch: Teenager Lydia Ko became the youngest winner of a women’s European Tour golf event when she took victory at the New Zealand Women’s Open in Christchurch yesterday.
The New Zealander cried with joy after winning her third professional title from 12 events at the age of 15 years, eight months and 17 days.
“I didn’t cry at the Canadian Open so I don’t know why I cried here,” Ko said. “I guess it meant more. It is our national open so to win means a lot.”
Ko made a three-foot putt on the final hole to finish on 206, one ahead of American Amelia Lewis.
Ko became the third amateur to win on the women’s European Tour, after Gillian Stewart, at the 1984 European Open, and Yang.
“It means a lot and makes it more special to be the first New Zealander to win the women’s Open,” the schoolgirl said. AFP
