Golf: Veteran gives Ko a master-class

Lydia Ko. Photo / Supplied

It was a classic case of the master and the apprentice on day one at the New Zealand Women's Open in Christchurch yesterday - but with a twist.

Lynnette Brooky, 30 years the senior of world No 1 amateur Lydia Ko, showed the young prodigy the value of experience with a perfect debut in the national open with a superb five under 67 to share the lead at the Pegasus Golf and Sports Club.

Later in the afternoon 21-year-old New Zealand amateur Emily Perry carded a five under 67 to join Englishwoman Kym Wyatt, Frenchwoman Joanna Klatten and Brooky atop the leaderboard after a day of idyllic conditions.

"For the first time in a few years, I think eight, I've gone out there and not been lined up with my putting," said 44-year-old Brooky. "I started to feel too stiff that way so we left myself alone today and I felt more freer and the putts rolled better. I think the heavens are helping me a bit."

Brooky made the turn in one under before a red-hot four-under-par back nine - including three birdies in a row - saw her sign for a share of the lead. The four-time winner on the Ladies European Tour believes she can wind back the clock and win for the first time in six years since she claimed the Spanish Open.

"I do want to have another win before I retire. And my coach says: 'Why only one?' He has done a lot of work on me and I have my nephew on my bag so we will see how it goes."

The talking point later in the day was the performance of Srixon Academy member Perry.

"It's really exciting," said the Lochiel golfer, who made birdies on six, seven and eight. "My heart is racing. I stayed really calm and positive and stuck to what I have been practising." Perry, a multiple winner on the Charles Tour, has been working hard on the mental side of her game and it is paying off.

The Kiwi rep made a fine up and down from the bunker on the last to share the clubhouse lead and heads into today's round making progress from the tough side of the draw.

Not that Ko was totally outclassed. Far from it. About 500 Christchurch locals came out to watch the youngest winner of a pro event in golf history and she didn't disappoint with a three under 69 to be two shots back.

Ko, 14, achieved her round one target. "Guy [Wilson - coach and caddie] and I set the goal of a 69 and it was achieved but I would have been happier with a four under."