Golf: Ko praised for playing NZ Open

Lydia Ko of New Zealand acknowledges the crowd. Photo / Getty Images

Lydia Ko's garnering praise just for turning up to play in the New Zealand Open.

The world number one is an overwhelming favourite to win the tournament beginning at Clearwater tomorrow.

Ko's given up the chance to play on the LPGA Tour this week and recent Hall of Fame inductee Dame Laura Davies says it's a credit to her.

Davies says it's lovely Ko still wants to come back to New Zealand and play because many players don't support their home events