24 Apr 2015

Ko starts defence of Swinging Skirts title

7:27 am on 24 April 2015

World golf number one Lydia Ko admits it'll be a challenge for her to retain her Swinging Skirts title in San Francisco.

Lydia Ko in action at Clearwater

Lydia Ko in action at Clearwater Photo: Photosport

The 17-year-old New Zealander is about to tee off in her opening round in the defence of her title at the Lake Merced Golf Club.

Not known as a long hitter, Ko admits the cold-foggy conditions will test her especially after having a week off in the heat of Orlando.

"To come to totally different weather... I knew it would be different, but to be this cold is quite a change," she said.

"I think the biggest difference is the ball flies further, so I feel like the course if playing a little longer compared to last year."

The $2.6 million also includes world number two Inbee Park, along with Yani Tseng, Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer.

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