Ko to defend NZ Open title
World number one Lydia Ko has confirmed she will compete in the New Zealand Women's Open in February.
The South Korean-born sensation, a frequent front-runner in the LPGA betting odds, will return to the Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch to begin her title defence on February 11.
"I'm excited to go back to Clearwater where I have made so many great memories," the 18-year-old told Yahoo Sports.
"The New Zealand golfing public have always been such great supporters of me, and it will be exciting to play in front of my home fans."
Meanwhile, CEO of the event, Dean Murphy, thanked Ko for taking time out of her busy schedule to return home for the event.
"The reality is, this is a very difficult tournament for Lydia to fit into her schedule and the fact she will compete is a measure of how much she values playing at home," said Murphy.
"I'm sure the golfing fans of New Zealand will look forward to seeing her play as world number one in our own backyard."
Ko enjoyed a phenomenal 2015 season, notching up five wins, including her first major at the Evian Championship, but the likes of Inbee Park and Suzann Pettersen will be chasing her down next season. Head on over to Paddy Power to check out all the latest golf betting odds.
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