Lydia Ko shot a 3-under 69 to finish two strokes in the New Zealand Women's Open

Ko, the earth's top-ranked amateur, took over as youngest winner of the professional tour event a few weeks ago inside the Women's New South Wales Open australia wide.

England's Kym Larratt, France's Joanna Klatten and New Zealanders Lynette Brooky and Emily Perry, also a beginner, shot 67 to top the leaderboard at Pegasus Golf Club.

Americans Jaclyn Sweeney, Hannah Yun, Danielle Mizuno MP-68 Irons Kang, Gerina Piller, Amelia Lewis and Alison Walsh were inside group at 68 in the event sanctioned from the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf.

Ko, who started discount golf clubs on the 10th hole, bogeyed the par-4 third, rallied with birdies on the fifth and sixth, but bogeyed the par-3 eighth when her tee shot went in the back in the green.

``It would have been a tricky hole for Mizuno MP-58 irons club selection,'' Ko said. ``I ought to hit a hybrid or wood, i really won't get all the spin on your ball since the other girls.''

The teenager is playing her fourth professional tournament in one month.

``I wouldn't have minded 4 under, however hit it OK over tee and putted OK,'' she said. ``My legs were beginning get sore around the previous few holes, however you experience that. I only feel tired when i finish a round.''