Golf NZ to revive Women's Open on the back of Lydia Ko's success
Golf New Zealand plans to revive the New Zealand Women's Open to help grow women's participation following Lydia Ko's recent success on the world stage.
The national body hopes the momentum generated by Ko's Paris Olympics and Women's Open tournament wins will help double the number of women and girls participating in golf over the next five years.
Golf New Zealand CEO Jeff Latch said Ko's success over the last month represents a once in a generation opportunity to encourage more women and girls into the sport.
"We would love to see more women and girls playing golf and initiatives such as She Loves Golf and our talent development programme are helping grow the female game," Latch said.
"Lydia has done more than perhaps anyone to help us realise that goal and her achievements in Paris and at St Andrew's give us a unique opportunity to encourage more Kiwi women to come and try golf or return to the golf course."
Golf New Zealand's General Manager, Participation Vicky Mailei said there is huge potential to grow women's participation.
"During the last spring and summer season, we saw more than 350 opportunities for women to participate in She Loves Golf.
"We're excited to continue fostering this enthusiasm and engagement, working with more golf clubs across New Zealand to create even more opportunities for women and girls through the She Loves Golf and Futures initiatives," she said.
