Kiwi Lydia Ko to play in US Open.

Lydia Ko at NSW Open Victory/ perthnow.com.au

World No 1 amateur Lydia Ko her Major debut at the US Open on Thursday. Lydia, a Korean-born Kiwi, who became the youngest winner in professional golf when she won the NSW Open, is only the second amateur from New Zealand to play the US Open after Olivia Hartley played in 1999.  She just loves mixing with and playing against the best players in the world.

” Being around and playing with the world’s best is overwhelming. Words can’t explain how awesome it is. I got an autograph from Michelle Wie and also Annika Sorenstam.”

In practice Lydia played alongside Australian Katherine Hull and Japan’s Mika Miyazato, and reports she has a good understanding of the course;

“It is quite a long course. The fairways are quite wide but it has hazards in the areas where the drives would go. Even the short holes are not easy. Being able to play the Open is such an honor. Even a few of the pros are unable to play but to be able to play still as an amateur it makes it more exciting. Seeing the environment and the set-up of the tournament, I’m becoming more and more excited to play along with the elite players on tour.”

Lydia is determined to make the cut, and has prepared well;

“The weather is in the high 30s, which is hotter than normal, but everyone is playing in the same weather, so I’m getting used to it, even though the water I put in gets sweated out the same amount. I have made a good plan with my caddie. I am confident going into the tournament as I have practiced really hard in New Zealand and also am well prepared. The only thing I can do now is try my best.”

 

Christmas hangover

I have to admit to feeling a little sluggish this morning, spent a lovely Christmas day with friends and needed no rocking when I finally fell into bed. But, I am up bright and breezy this morning and am heading out to the links to tee it up at 0840. My friend and great golfing adversary Capt Tim has challenged me to a round, winner takes all.

Talking of winners taking all I have read about a company call Debitsuccess, they will pay your annual green fee and let you pay it back in installments, sounds like that could end up costing us golfers even more, I could not find out what the interest rates are, so if you are thinking of participating in this, remember the saying, buyer beware.

Meet Indian Golf’s Sharapova

Meet Sharmila Nicolett, one of the few professional women golfers in India gave up scholarships to take up her love for golf and shine on the golf course.

Sharmila finished tied 22nd at the Indian Womens open, having a bad time with the putter. She shot a -4 for the last round showing that the talent is there, she just needs more experience.

“If not for my three-putts on the first two days, I would probably have finished in the top-5,” she said later.

Sharmila has announced her desire to travel and will join the European Q-School in Spain in January.