Ko goes in search of maiden major title

LydiaKo - Cropped

World number one Lydia Ko goes into the ANA Invitation at Mission Hills Country Club seeking the one thing that is missing from her already-decorated career - a major title.

The 17-year-old has taken golf by storm, winning 10 professional tournaments and becoming the youngest player of any gender to rise to the top of the rankings.

In doing so, she defeated the previous record set by Tiger Woods, and while his career appears to be on the decline, Ko's is only just getting started.

Her best finish at a major came two years ago, when she finished second while still an amateur at the Evian Championship.

"I've been watching Golf Channel, and they've been saying the spotlight is kind of on me, you know, who's going to win, but it's going to be definitely a tough week," the New Zealander said.

"I know that all the girls are trying to bring their A-games together, and that's what I've got to do.

"So I'm just going to try and have fun. Hopefully I'll hit some really good shots, make some good putts and give myself a good run for it."

To break her duck in majors, she will have to unseat reigning champion Lexi Thompson, who won last year's event by three shots ahead of Michelle Wie.

That was the closest Wie has come to lifting the trophy, and the American says the traditional jump for the winner into Poppie's Pond next to the 18th green is something all competitor's dream of.

"Jumping into Poppie's Pond is something all the golfers look forward to doing," she said. "You grow up wanting to do it. It's just the history.

"You walk that bridge to the 18th green every day during the tournament and you see all the names, all the Hall of Famers, so many legends who are on it. All you want to do is be able to join that wall."

However, the likes of Wie, Ko and Thompson will face stiff competition if they want to ensure a soggy end to their Sunday.

Last weekend's Kia Classic champion Cristie Kerr will pose a challenge, while 2011 winner and reigning Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis will be hoping the sun shines on her in California.

 

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