10 Sep 2017

Ko runs out of pace in final round

8:36 am on 10 September 2017

New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has missed out on re-entering the LPGA's winner's circle but produced her best finish of the season at the Indy Women in Tech Championship in Indiana.

Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko Photo: Photosport

Ko finished in solo second after an even par final round, she was four shots behind American winner - Lexi Thompson, who started the day tied with Ko at 15-under.

The pair were neck and neck for the majority of the first nine before Thompson made a crucial birdie at the par four ninth to give her a one shot advantage at the turn.

Thompson's lead was extended further when Ko made a double bogey at the par four 11th, giving the American a three shot swing with seven holes to play.

Ko had a chance to close the gap on the par four 16th when Thompson hit her drive into water, but the 20-year-old was unable to capitalise, settling for a par while Thompson scrambled for a bogey.

Despite the disappointing finish, the result is Ko's best of the year, she also finished in tie for second at the Lotte Championship in April.

The apparent turn in form has come at just the right time for Ko as the LPGA Tour heads to Europe for the fifth and final major of the year - the Evian Championship, which Ko won in 2015.

Following that, the LPGA Tour heads down our way for the first time where Ko will host the New Zealand Women's Open just south of Auckland.

-RNZ