Lydia Ko became the first New Zealand amateur to make the cut at the women's US Open Championship. Photo / Getty Images.
Lydia Ko not only became the first New Zealand amateur to make the cut at the women's US Open Championship after the 15-year-old carded an even par 72 today but she is also the leading amateur at the halfway mark of the prestigious competition.
The world No 1 amateur was
in a share of 29th after today's second round, seven shots behind Norway's Suzann Pettersen, who holds a one-shot lead over Americans Michelle Wie and Cristie Kerr. Ko is two shots ahead of the next best amateur, Emma Talley of the US, and one of only three amateurs left in the field.
Ko, who is only the second New Zealand amateur to contest the US Open Championship after Olivia Hartley in 1999, met her goal of even par today and felt much more comfortable on the greens.
"It was much better today," said the youngest winner in professional golf history. "The first three holes [in round one], my hands were shaking I was so nervous and I was trying to line up my putts but I couldn't get it straight.
"I made a birdie on 11. I hit it to 12 feet past the hole, my putting was rolling well today. I made bogeys on 12 and 13 yesterday and was happy to make pars on both of them today.
