24 Mar 2017

Ko well off the pace

4:07 pm on 24 March 2017

The New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko is well off the pace after the first round of the latest LPGA event in California.

The 19 year old world number one fired an opening round two over par 74 at the Kia Classic in Carlsbad.

Lydia Ko reacts to missing a putt in Adelaide.

Lydia Ko reacts to missing a putt in Adelaide. Photo: Photosport

She's tied for 81st, eight shots behind the leaders In Gee Chun of South Korea and Americans Cristie Kerr and Mo Martin.

Ko is the defending champion.

Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn, who's challenging Ko for the number one ranking, shot the same score.

Meanwhile Danny Lee is tied for 29th, five shots off the lead, during the first round of the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour.

The first round was suspended because of lightning.