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.”