Ko ready for tough test

Lydia Ko admits it will be difficult to defend her Australian Open title but the New Zealander is looking forward to the challenge.

The 18-year-old, who was born in South Korea, won the event at Royal Melbourne Golf Club last year after finishing the tournament on an impressive nine-under par.

Her victory Down Under was the start of a sensational year as the Seoul-born star went on to win four more events, including the Evian Championship for a first major success.

The impressive results have lifted Ko to world number one and she is now hoping to continue her rich vein of form and clinch the Aussie title for a second consecutive year.

“You know it’s a tough course,” she said. “It’s in great condition right now and I’m pretty sure as the week goes on as it gets hotter the greens will get firmer, so yeah it’s going to be tough.

“It’s going to be challenging but you know there’s a great blend of holes where there’s some shorter irons where you know you can go for some birdies and you know some holes when you come off with a par.”

Ko will face stiff competition with the likes of Brooke Henderson and veteran Karrie Webb, who is a seven-time major champion, competing in the event.

Korea’s Ha-Na Jang is also participating and the world number nine is expected to be there or thereabouts come the final few holes on Sunday.

Tagged Ladies Australian Open, Lydia Ko, Royal Melbourne