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No 1 golfer Ko says Olympics her ‘top priority’ this year

February 10, 2016
Lydia Ko lines up her putt on the 18th green during the second round of the Coates Golf Championship LPGA tournament at Golden Ocala on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, in Ocala, Fla. The second round was suspended because of thunderstorms in the area. (Doug Engle/The Star-Banner via AP)

Lydia Ko says her No. 1 priority is playing in the Olympics this year. (Doug Engle/The Star-Banner via AP)

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — Top-ranked golfer Lydia Ko says the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will be her top priority this year.

Ko, who will defend her New Zealand Open title from Friday, said there was “so much excitement and vibe” around the Olympic tournament, “especially as it’s the first time women will play at the Olympics in golf.”

The 18-year-old New Zealander said “ever since they announced that golf will be in the Olympics I said, ‘Hey, I want to get myself on that team.’ For any athlete to say you’re an Olympian is a whole new proud feeling, and to represent your country on such an international stage it’s going to be a pretty special week.”

The 54-hole New Zealand Open at the Clearwater Golf Club is co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies PGA.