Golf: Ko qualifies for US amateur

Lydia Ko. Photo / Brett Phibbs

World No 1 Lydia Ko has qualified for the United States amateur women's golf championship by shooting an even par 71 to win a pre-qualifying event by two shots in Boston today.

The 14-year-old Aucklander got off to a fast start to be three-under par at the turn and she held on to win the medallist prize by two shots over Japanese representative Kuriko Tsukiyama.

That ensured she secured one of the four places from the 35 starters to advance to the US championship starting at Rhode Island Country Club on August 8.

"I'm very happy that I have qualified for the US amateur because this is giving me another opportunity to play a tournament with other competitors that I don't know and more competition," Ko said.

Ko's performance was immense relief for manager, coach and caddie Guy Wilson.

"So many uncertainties are now all gone," said Wilson, who has worked with Ko since she was six.

"With this being the first week of a five-week trip, it would have been a major bummer to have been knocked out of contention. So we are all systems go, now to book flights for tomorrow."

Ko wasn't too fazed by the pressure and expectation that she would qualify.

"I try and stay relaxed but really I don't get much pressure.

"I feel really confident after finishing as the top qualifier (in this event). Now I really think I can play well for the championship."

Ko's ability under pressure once again confirmed to Wilson that she has a good chance of becoming the first New Zealander to win the US women's championship.

"It's a massive load on one's shoulders to know you are the best here, but coming all this way and showing she's the best, just goes to show we have a live one here."

Ko and Wilson will have a few weeks of traveling around the US, before they head to the East Coast again to knuckle down ahead of the championship.

- NZPA