NZ Open nerves for Ko

Lydia Ko says there will be added nerves when she tees off for the New Zealand Women’s Open next month.

The Kiwi world No 8 was speaking at her pre-tournament press conference ahead of the Indy Women in Tech Championship in Indiana yesterday when she was asked about the added pressure of playing in New Zealand, given her role model status there.

‘‘It’s going to be a little nerveracking, but at the same time I think it’s a great step forward for golf in New Zealand,’’ she said of her expectations of teeing off at LPGA Tour event at Windross Farm Golf Club in Auckland on September 28.

Before she gets to New Zealand, she will play this week’s tournament, as well as the fifth major of the year, the Evian Championship in France from September 14. Ko won her first major title at the event in 2015.

‘‘This is the most interesting fun and exciting stretch of events for me.

‘‘To be able to go back to New Zealand and see some of my friends and play the national open, it’s always a cool feeling. Now that it’s an LPGA Tour event hopefully a lot of people will be able to come out and watch.’’

Ko will be hoping she can recapture her best form ahead of her hometown event. She missed her third cut of the season on August 24 when she failed to feature in the weekend action at the Canadian Open. The result saw her world ranking slip to eight.