CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Top-ranked amateur Lydia Ko won the New Zealand Women's Open on Sunday for her third victory in a professional tournament.
In an outstanding 13-month spell, Ko has now won the New South Wales Open to become the youngest player, male or female, to win a professional event, the Canadian Open to become the youngest-ever winner on the LPGA Tour, and now a professional tournament at home.
The 15-year-old Korean-born New Zealander approached the last hole in a tie for the lead with American Amelia Lewis at 10-under. But Lewis, in the penultimate group, three-putted from 25 feet for bogey and Ko, playing in the last group, made par to complete a final-round 68.
Ko finished at 206 for the three-round tournament at Clearwater Golf Club. Lewis finished with a 6-under 66 for a 207 for the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the European and Australasian women's tours.
Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods, finished in a tie for 25th at 3 under while former world No. 1 Laura Davies was 51st.
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