CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) - 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.
``It was a pretty good day out there and I'm pretty excited to have my name on this trophy,'' she said. ``I didn't cry at the Canadian Open so I've got no idea why I cried here, I guess it meant more.
``It's our national open so to win it means a lot. I'm not the sort of person who shows expression or feelings that much but I guess I did here.''
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.
