Ko off to quick start with share of LPGA lead

January 24, 2014 | 14:49

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Lydia Ko launched her first season as an LPGA Tour member in style by grabbing a share of the first-round lead at the Bahamas LPGA Classic.

Lydia Ko follows her tee shot on the fourth hole during round one of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic at the Ocean Club course in Paradise Island, Bahamas (AFP/Rob Carr)

Paradise Island (Bahamas): Korean Kiwi, Lydia Ko launched her first season as an LPGA Tour member in style by , grabbing a share of the first-round lead at the Bahamas LPGA Classic.

The 16-year-old South Korean-born New Zealander had six birdies and one bogey in a five-under par 68 that put her tied atop the leaderboard with South Korean Meena Lee in the $1.3 million season-opening event.

Lee's round included an eagle two at the par-four 13th hole, along with four birdies on the Ocean Club course.

The leading duo was one stroke in front of a group of 10 players that included American Stacy Lewis, Thailand's P.K. Kongkraphan, Taiwan's Candie Kung and South Koreans Park Hee-Young and Mirim Lee.

Ko turned professional last year after a stellar amateur career during which she won four professional tournaments.

She won her first title as a pro in Taiwan in December, but is making her first start this week as a member of the LPGA Tour.

Her precocious achievements persuaded LPGA Tour Michael Whan to waive the tour's usual requirement that a player be 18 years old to qualify for membership.

AFP

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