Weather interrupts solid start for Ko
WELLINGTON: Lydia Ko has survived a strong but brief buffeting to be well placed after the first day of the yearopening women’s major tournament in California.
The Kiwi world No 1 and defending champion completed just five holes and was twounder at the ANA Inspiration before play was suspended yesterday.
High winds steadily built throughout the afternoon at Mission Hills Country in Rancho Mirage, reaching a point unacceptable to organisers at 4pm local time.
Ko was among the last to tee off and handled the day’s worst conditions with aplomb.
Teeing off on the back nine, the 19yearold shot birdies on the 11th and 13th holes.
She holds a share of eighth place, with nearly half of the 107strong field still to complete their round.
The outright leader is leading French golfer Karine Icher, who was an early finisher on five under 67. A round featuring seven birdies propelled world No 36 Icher to a onestroke lead over American Michelle Wie and three Koreans — So Yeon Ryu, Sung Hyun Park and amateur Eun Jeong Seong.
Today will be busy for Ko, who must complete the remaining 13 holes and then play 18 more almost immediately.
Winless since last July, she is seeking improvement from her modest putting efforts so far in 2017.
Three successive top10 finishes on the LPGA Tour hinted she was returning to her best but she followed up with a rare missedcut outcome at last week’s KIA Classic in California.
Ko’s 75week reign as world No 1 is under threat this week from No 2 Ariya Jutanugarn.
If the inform Thai wins on Monday, Ko will lose her top dog ranking unless she places in the top five.
Jutanugarn was one over through seven holes when play was called off. — NZN