Teenage golf sensation Lydia Ko has arrived in Christchurch less than 24 hours before beginning the defence of her New Zealand Open title at Clearwater.
The 16-year-old is coming off a tie for seventh in the LPGA season-opening Bahamas Classic, and Ko's the overwhelming favourite to retain her national title.
Ko has only a few hours to overcome any jetlag and practice the Clearwater course before teeing off early Friday morning, though the world number four says that won't be an excuse for a poor performance.
Ko made a statement about her recent split with long-time coach and mentor Guy Wilson, but otherwise would not take questions on the decision.
