Lydia Ko's sweet attempt to entice fellow golfers to New Zealand

Lydia Ko was the first player to sign up for the New Zealand Open in 2017. Photo / AP

Lydia Ko is using Whittaker's chocolate as a way to entice fellow golfers to attend the new LPGA Tour event in Auckland next year.

It was announced today that the McKayson New Zealand Women's Open will move to Auckland from Christchurch next year and become an official event on the LPGA Tour. The tournament will take place at Windross Farm course in south Auckland from September 28-October 1.

According to GolfChannel.com writer Randall Mell, Ko is using New Zealand-made chocolate as a way to get fellow golfers down to her home country.

Mell tweeted a photo of some Whittaker's chocolate with a thank you message from the Kiwi 19-year-old.

"Thanks for a great 2016 season! Can't wait for you to visit my home in 2017".

Following the announcement, the three-time New Zealand Open winner said the move to Auckland was fantastic news.

"I am so excited with this announcement to bring the LPGA to my hometown in Auckland," said Ko.

"I am honoured to be the first player to sign up to play. It is going to be amazing for me and my family to host my LPGA friends in my country. I want to see golf grow in New Zealand and more women playing the game, so this news today is fantastic."

Ko tees off in the LPGA finale tomorrow as she attempts to claim the Race to the CME Globe title, and the US$1m bonus, for the third straight year.