Golf: Young stars set for NZ Women's Open

Spain's Belen Mozo. Photo / Getty Images

Two of the brightest young golfing hopes on the globe have confirmed their start in this month's New Zealand Women's Open.

Sweden's Caroline Hedwall, the current US College champion, and Spain's Belen Mozo, - both recent graduates to the LPGA and Ladies European Tour - will contest the event at Pegasus Golf & Sports Club, near Christchurch on 17-20 February.

Hedwall, 21, who won her first event as a professional two weeks ago in edging out Kiwi amateur Lydia Ko in the New South Wales Open, is a former recipient of the Annika Sorenstam Scholarship and is highly rated by the biggest name in women's golf.

"There is a lot of young talent about," Sorenstam said. "Caroline Hedwall is a very good player and I think we're going to see a lot of her."

Mozo, 22, who has won numerous national amateur titles in Europe as well as a glittering US Collegiate career, has been mentored by Greg Norman, the World Golf Hall of Famer.

"Belen has what it takes to make it on the course. And she has what it takes to make it off the course," Norman said.

To put his money where his mouth is, Norman's clothing brand has recently sponsored the rookie professional.

Promoter Bob Tuohy said attracting the two young players to the New Zealand Open was a major coup.

"Greg Norman contacted me directly on Belen who he rates as one of the best young players he has ever seen," Tuohy said. "Caroline, who has had a hugely successful amateur career, is rated by many as the best player to come out of Europe since Annika Sorenstam."

Hedwall, who was the leading individual when Sweden won the Espirito Santo world championship in 2008, headed the field at the final Ladies European Tour qualifier in December is excited about her first visit to New Zealand.

"I don't know a lot about New Zealand. But I have heard so much about how beautiful it is and I am very excited about coming there."

Mozo, who became was the first player in nearly 40 years to be the Ladies British Open Amateur and British Girls Amateur Champion in the same year, bounced back from injury to gain her full playing rights on both the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour.

- NZPA