New Zealand's world golf number one Lydia Ko has taken a commanding lead on the LPGA Tour money list after her third placing at the Kia Classic yesterday in California.
From 6 events on this season's tour, 17 year old Ko has won just over 600-thousand US dollars, 150-thousand clear of second placed Amy Yang from South Korea.
Lydia Ko Photo: Photosport
The world number one briefly tied the lead during Monday's final round before being passed on the back nine by the winner from America, Christie Kerr and the second placed Korean Mirim Lee.
At 18 under for the tournament, Ko finished three strokes behind the winner after carding a final round score of 67, her 28th sub-par round in a row just one short of the LPGA record.
The 17-year-old says she's pleased with her form leading into the year's first major tournament.
"I holed a lot of good putts today... The last three holes were a little iffy, but 67 around here is good and I've improved my placing compared to last year."
"There are a lot of positives to take from this week and I'm excited for the first Major next week."
Ko says pressure in the media is mounting for her to secure her first major title.
If she wins this weekend in California she'll be the youngest woman to win a major.
"I've been watching Golf Channel and they've been saying the spotlight is on me," Ko says.
"It's gonna be a tough week. I know that all the girls are trying to bring their A-game together and that's what I've gotta do."
"I'm just going to try to have fun, hit some good shots make some good putts and give myself a good run for it."