Lydia Ko set for Scottish Open debut

• Lydia Ko gearing up for her Ladies Scottish Open debut
• She joins Hull, Pettersen and Woods in a star-studded field
• “I’m super excited about the next two weeks,” said Ko

World No.2 Lydia Ko is preparing to play in Scotland for just the second time as she makes her debut in the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open.

The 18-year-old, who only touched down in Scotland on Wednesday, is expecting a tough test at Dundonald Links in the free-to-attend event which brings together a star-studded field of 80 professionals and 80 amateurs in a unique pro-am format.

Joining Ko in North Ayrshire for the event include world No.7 Suzann Pettersen, Cheyenne Woods and Charley Hull, who will see the Ladies Scottish Open as perfect preparation for the RICOH Women’s British Open at Trump Turnberry next week.

“I’m super excited about the next two weeks” – Lydia Ko

“I like links golf,” said Lydia Ko, who is coached by David Leadbetter. “Without a doubt it’s very difficult and challenging, but that’s just part of it.

“It’s great to be back when there’s so much history here in Scotland, the Home of Golf. I’m super excited about the next two weeks. The only time I’ve played in Scotland was in 2013 at St Andrews so it’s good to be back and the Women’s British Open is always something we look forward to.”

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Lydia Ko is paired with Hull in one of the youngest groups out on the course, teeing off at 12.10pm, with the English teenager reflecting on some battles the duo have already had in their short careers, while also relishing the links challenge that lies in wait over the next two weeks.

“We’ve had a couple of tournaments this year when we’ve gone head-to-head in Australia and New Zealand. That was good and hopefully there will be more of those in the future,” said Hull.

“It’s good to be back on a links course. The course is nice. The greens are very receptive and I feel I’m playing my best golf.”

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Meanwhile, home favourite Catriona Matthew will be hoping to add a third Ladies Scottish Open title to her name after successes in 2011 and 2013, and is delighted by the high-profile names who have decided to attend this year.

“I think it’s great that we’ve got the likes of Lydia, Suzann and Charley Hull in the field and obviously they want to play some links golf ahead of Turnberry,” said Matthew.

“Hopefully this event can build like the men’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open has, keeping its slot just before the British Open, as that can only help attract more big players in the future.”

Lydia Ko :: Ladies Scottish Open winner?

Despite only arriving in Scotland on Wednesday, can you see Lydia Ko lifting the Ladies Scottish Open title come Sunday? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.