Teenaged British star to play women’s open

ENGLAND’S Charley Hull has been added to the field for this year’s New Zealand Women’s Open golf tournament, which takes place later this month.

Hull was the 2014 Order of Merit winner on the Ladies European Tour and will be one of the favourites when she walks the fairways of Clearwater Golf Club for the second time.

‘‘I’m really looking forward to going back to New Zealand this year,’’ Hull said.

‘‘The people there were so friendly and I love the Clearwater Golf course. I was lucky enough to stay with some great hosts in a lovely house on the course last year and I hope to again this year.

‘‘There’s another strong field gathered this year and with Lydia [Ko] playing the home crowds will love it.

‘‘It’s amazing when you think what she’s achieved since this time last year.’’

The 18-year-old Hull, who is heading into her third year as a professional, has already accomplished a lot in a short pro career.

In 2013 Hull finished runner-up in her first five events, finished sixth on the Order of Merit and subsequently went on to win the Rookie of Year award on the LET.

Hull was also the youngest ever to play in the Solheim Cup (the women’s version of the Ryder Cup), which the European team won on American soil, and she defeated major champion Paula Creamer in her singles match.

Hull won her maiden professional event early in 2014, the Lalla Meryem Cup.

She had a consistent

season posting another eight top-10 placings to finish with $404,505.

New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy said: ‘‘We are thrilled to have the exciting Hull returning to New Zealand, as Charley together with many other emerging young players will indeed mould the future of world women’s golf and certainly generate huge interest in the ISPS Handa NZ Women’s Open.’’

Other players in the field include Laura Davies, Kristie Smith and Gwladys Nocera.