New Zealand Stroke Play champion Amelia Garvey has enjoyed her debut LPGA Tour appearance after shooting a round of two-under par to be the leading Kiwi alongside tournament host Lydia Ko at the McKayson New Zealand Womens Open.
Earlier in the day Ko got off to a confident start with three birdies in her opening five holes to excite what was thought to be the biggest Thursday crowd seen on the LPGA Tour this year.
The world number eight sadly couldnt continue her form as the putter became cold on a hot day at the Windross Farm Golf Club.
"I hit the ball well throughout the day and gave myself a good look at birdies, even on my back nine [holes one to nine], but just wasn't able to hole them," said Ko.
However, after accepting an invitation from the tournament host, Brooke Henderson has stolen the show with a clinical round of seven-under par in equally perfect scoring conditions.
Playing in the group ahead of Ko, the local galleries were gifted to a world-class display as she carded eight birdies to be in a tie for the lead with Jodi Ewart Shadoff.
Even though Garvey may have left some shots out there this afternoon, it was hard to hide her happiness.
"Its awesome to have the same score as one of the worlds best, so it was certainly a good day out there and hopefully I have lived up to the small amount of hype," smiled Garvey.
As predicted, conditions became tricky late in the day with a typical Windross Farm breeze picking up and slowing down the 17-year-old.
"I got off to a solid start with four birdies on the front nine which felt good before the wind picked up on the back.
There were eight amateurs on display today and the majority did not look out of place in their maiden LPGA Tour event. Aucklands Rose Zheng was the next best and found it impossible to hide her smile after recording a round of one-under par to sit just one shot behind her idol, Lydia Ko.
Tomorrow is set to be an exciting day with Lydia Ko teeing off at 1:10pm which will suit local punters from the wider Auckland region while Garvey is off at 8:53am and has the opportunity to make the most of the calmer conditions.
- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ
Garvey keeps up with Ko as Henderson shines
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