Golf: Ko starts well in season-opener

Lydia Ko. Photo / AP.

Lydia Ko has made a promising start to the season-opening Coates Golf Championship on the LPGA Tour in Florida.

The 17-year-old carded a four-under 68 today as she moved to a share of sixth place, two strokes behind early leaders Stacy Lewis, Jessica Korda and Azahara Munoz who are all in a tie for first at six-under.

Ko, who topped last year's order of merit in her rookie season on tour, made six birdies and two bogeys during her round at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.

A handful of players were yet to finish their opening round when play was suspended due to darkness.

Ko told the Herald this week that she had no concerns about second-year syndrome as she looked to carry on last season's good work.

"I'd like to continue the consistent form that I had last year. Hopefully I won't have the sophomore jinx," Ko said.

"The number of tournaments that I play will be similar to last year but this time I am familiar with most of the courses so I'll be a bit more comfortable my second time around."

Ko will soon head to tournaments in the Bahamas and Melbourne to start her LPGA Tour campaign before playing in next month's New Zealand Women's Open at Clearwater.