Tough start for Ko at US PGA
Lydia Ko of New Zealand hits a tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East at Frisco, Texas.
It has been a tough start for Dame Lydia Ko at the third golf major of the year.
She opened with a three-over 75 at the Women's PGA Championship, being played at Fields Ranch East in Texas.
Ko started in fine style, sinking a long putt for birdie at the par-five first hole. But that was as good as it got, Ko not finding another birdie in her remaining 17 holes.
Bogeys at the third, sixth and seventh saw her fall back, and while pars at her next nine holes saw her steady things somewhat, another bogey at the par-three 17th had her falling away again.
Ko's round had her seven shots behind the clubhouse leader, Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, who opened with a four-under 68, including six birdies and one double-bogey.
Thitikul, currently at number two in the world rankings just ahead of Ko, led by one shot ahead of Australian Minjee Lee.
World number one American Nelly Korda was also in touch after shooting an even-par 72.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
4 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Tough start for Ko at US PGA
Lydia Ko of New Zealand hits a tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East at Frisco, Texas. It has been a tough start for Dame Lydia Ko at the third golf major of the year. She opened with a three-over 75 at the Women's PGA Championship, being played at Fields Ranch East in Texas. Ko started in fine style, sinking a long putt for birdie at the par-five first hole. But that was as good as it got, Ko not finding another birdie in her remaining 17 holes. Bogeys at the third, sixth and seventh saw her fall back, and while pars at her next nine holes saw her steady things somewhat, another bogey at the par-three 17th had her falling away again. Ko's round had her seven shots behind the clubhouse leader, Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, who opened with a four-under 68, including six birdies and one double-bogey. Thitikul, currently at number two in the world rankings just ahead of Ko, led by one shot ahead of Australian Minjee Lee. World number one American Nelly Korda was also in touch after shooting an even-par 72.
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- RNZ News
Golf: Challenging opening round for Lydia Ko at US PGA
Lydia Ko of New Zealand hits a tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship 2025 at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco on June 19, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. Photo: SAM HODDE It has been a tough start for Dame Lydia Ko at the third golf major of the year. She opened with a three-over 75 at the Women's PGA Championship, being played at Fields Ranch East in Texas. Ko started in fine style, sinking a long putt for birdie at the par-five first hole. But that was as good as it got, Ko not finding another birdie in her remaining 17 holes. Bogeys at the third, sixth and seventh saw her fall back, and while pars at her next nine holes saw her steady things somewhat, another bogey at the par-three 17th had her falling away again. Ko's round had her seven shots behind the clubhouse leader, Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, who opened with a four-under 68, including six birdies and one double-bogey. Thitikul, currently at number two in the world rankings just ahead of Ko, led by one shot ahead of Australian Minjee Lee. World number one American Nelly Korda was also in touch after shooting an even-par 72.
Otago Daily Times
11 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Closet Kiwi excited about call-up to Black Sticks
They claim Rebecca Gibney, Russell Crowe, Keith Urban and Jane Campion. But we have nabbed one back. Rookie Black Stick Nina Murphy is a fair dinkum Aussie. She is a Gold Coast girl. She has the faded tan and twang to show for it. But the 19-year-old has parents from Palmerston North, and that makes her as Kiwi as jandals rather than thongs. This year, she shifted over to study health science at the University of Otago. While her education was the main reason for the move, hockey remains important to her. "I came over here with the intention to continue playing hockey and to keep trying," she said. "Back in Australia, I was playing hockey quite competitively as well. So I definitely wanted to keep doing that. "But obviously, I had no idea what was going to happen with it and definitely wasn't expecting a Black Sticks call-up." Murphy has represented Australia at under-18 level, and the midfielder impressed for the Alpiners during the junior hockey league. It was during that tournament she caught the attention of the national selectors. That tournament also helped reignite her spark. "Playing a different style of hockey, I don't know, it has just kind of got me excited about it all over again." The selectors are excited, too. Murphy was named in the Black Sticks squad to tour the United States. The first of three tests is on July 3. The series is an important part of the preparation for the Oceania Cup, where the Black Sticks will battle Australia for direct qualification to the 2026 Hockey World Cup. Should Murphy do well, she could find herself playing against her country. "I need to earn my spot in the team before even thinking about making the call back for that sort of tournament because, obviously, I'm fresh to the team and this will be my debut. "So my focus will be just this American trip and trying to play the best I can." That said, she has enjoyed connecting with her heritage and has been a longtime closet Kiwi. "I've always sort of had like a calling. Sounds a bit cliched, but a calling towards New Zealand. "I always felt somewhat like a New Zealander. When New Zealand would play Australia in sport — like the All Blacks versus the Wallabies — I'd always support the All Blacks." And that, of course, is the ultimate litmus test when it comes to national allegiance. Well, that, and eating pavlova while listening to Crowded House.
