30 Jan 2012

Ko wins New South Wales Open, makes history

6:00 am on 30 January 2012

The teenage Auckland golfer Lydia Ko has made history after winning the New South Wales Open in Sydney.

The 14-year old amateur's 4 shot victory makes her the youngest ever winner of a professional golf tournament.

Ko claims the honour from male Japanese Ryo Ishikawa, who won his first title aged 15 years and eight months, and the Gold Coast's Amy Yang, who won the Australian Ladies Masters aged 16 and 192 days.

Becky Morgan of Wales was second, 4 shots back.

Ko, who was runner-up in this tournament last year, fired a final round 3 under par 69 for a 14 under par total.

Ko, who turns 15 on April 24, comfortably takes the title from Gold Coast youngster Amy Yang, who won the Australian Ladies Masters aged 16 and 192 days.

The Korea-born, New Zealand-raised phenom is also the world number ranked amateur player.