Lydia Ko won the New Zealand Women’s Golf Open Tournament in Christchurch last weekend for the second time. She was 4 shots ahead of the next woman.
Although she is only 17, she is the World’s Number 1 golfer in the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) at the moment. She chose to come to New Zealand for the tournament instead of playing in the LPGA tournament. This meant she could lose her place as the world No 1. However, that did not happen as no other woman gained enough points. She came here to show that she is grateful for the support she has had from New Zealand people. Thousands of spectators came to watch her play and the Prime Minister was present to give her the prize cup.
She started playing golf at a very young age soon after her family moved from South Korea to New Zealand. She learnt from New Zealand coaches and has had support from New Zealand Golf Association over the years.
She always seems calm in tournaments and when she speaks on television, she is confident and charming. We are happy to call her a New Zealander. Probably, South Korea calls her a Korean.
She is now in Singapore for the next LPGA game. She travels for 40 weeks a year and plays 25 tournaments.
Listen to November 24th 2014 to hear more about Lydia Ko.
Vocabulary
• grateful (adj) – appreciates what people have done for her, wants to thank people
• charming (adj) – delightful, very pleasant