Thirteen-year-old golfing prodigy Lydia Ko (igolf) produced the best competitive round of her career to win the Grange 54-hole tournament yesterday by eight shots.

Her seven-under 66 contained five birdies and an eagle on the par-five sixth as she completed the three rounds in 214, 13 under par.

The North Harbour schoolgirl has struck a purple patch of form this week, shooting a one-under 70 at the Anita Boon pro-am at Huapai on Monday, then completing rounds of 68, 72 and 66, twice breaking The Grange women’s course record.

Second yesterday was Ko’s teammate at the recent world amateur in Argentina, Cecilia Cho (Pakuranga), and third Brianna Maynard, seven shots further back.

The event was the final trial to select the Auckland team for this year’s interprovincials at Miramar from November 30. It includes three changes from last year’s winning lineup. The newcomers, all juniors, are Maynard and the Pakuranga pair of Mun Chin Keh and Caryn Khoo. The team in playing order is Cho, Keh, Khoo, Maynard and Alana Wylie (The Grange). Reserve: Emily Eng (Remuera).

Ko, from Gulf Harbour, will again lead the North Harbour team ahead of Rica Tse (igolf), Rebekah Brownlee (Muriwai), Faye-Amy Nickson (Peninsula) and Kristin Farrell (Waitakere). The reserve is Julitta Lam (Muriwai).

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