Lydia Ko. Photo / Getty Images
Defending champion Lydia Ko enjoyed a fine finish to her opening round of the women's New Zealand Open to sit one shot off the lead.
Out early on the course at Clearwater in Christchurch in still and overcast conditions, the 16-year-old was two-over after nine holes to sit in a
share of 44th.
But the world No 4 bounced back in impressive style on her back nine, making five birdies after the turn to charge her way up the leaderboard. Ko finished her day on three-under par, one shot behind Seonwoo Bae of South Korea.
Ko had other opportunities to move further into the red but she will satisfied with her round, especially after making birdie on her final two holes.
Earlier, Ko started on the 10th hole and made a birdie on her opening hole, the 454 metre par five, before dropping a shot at the par four 12th. The bogeys continued as the morning progressed, dropping two more shots.
