Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, has welcomed the return of teenage golf sensation Lydia Ko to defend her New South Wales Women’s Open title at Oatlands Golf Club this weekend.

“I was fortunate enough to see Lydia win the Open last year and I was very impressed,” Mr Annesley said.

“Some of the best women golfers from around the world will be competing including England’s Laura Davies, 2011 winner Caroline Hedwall and Australia’s Lindsey Wright.

“As one of the most prestigious women’s professional golf championships in Australia it also provides the perfect lead up to the Australian Women’s Open which is scheduled for next month in Canberra,” Mr Annesley said.

The NSW Open is an international event with more than 40 international players competing.

Minister Annesley said he is looking forward to presenting the winner’s trophy after the final round on Sunday.

“Last year Australian golf fans saw history made courtesy of Lydia’s victory, and this year I am sure we will see a similarly outstanding contest.

“The NSW Government is proud to support this event and I’d like to also acknowledge the tournament sponsors, particularly Bing Lee and Samsung.

“I encourage golf fans to come along and enjoy the world’s best women golfers at Oatlands,” Mr Annesley added.

The 2013 Open will run from 25 to 27 January at Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney. Spectators are welcome and entry is free.

• Thursday 24 January 2013 - Official Pro Am
• Friday 25 January 2013 - Round 1
• Saturday 26 January 2013 - Round 2
• Sunday 27 January 2013 - Round 3

To view the leaderboard [Click Here].