The 12-year-old Auckland golfer Bohyun Park has qualified for this week's women's New Zealand Open at Clearwater in Christchurch.
The Auckland golfer Bohyun Park. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Park won one of the last four spots for the tournament at yesterday's qualifying tournament at Clearwater.
The Gulf Harbour player came out on top with an impressive two under par 70.
Grace Senior, from the Wairakei Golf Club in Taupo, held the earlier clubhouse lead with a 71 before being passed by Park, whose round included five birdies and four bogeys.
Local 13-year-old Juliana Hung was third with a 74, while Amelia Garvey of Kaiapoi grabbed the last spot with a 75.
Garvey did have to play an extra hole play-off with Momoka Kobori of Rangiora to secure in spot in the main tournament.
At such a young age, Park will no doubt draw comparisons to Lydia Ko who first played in the NZ Women's Open, also as a 12-year-old.
Not only does she play with a set of Lydia Ko's old golf clubs, but is also coached by Guy Wilson.
Park says Guy wished her well before play and told her just to try her best.
She says she is looking forward to playing in her first professional event.
Whether Park can start forging a similar record to world No.1 Ko will be seen on Friday when the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women's Open gets under way.
