Lydia Ko signs on as Ambassador to The First Tee
Lydia Ko and Phil Tataurangi: www.photosport.co.nz
Children's charity The First Tee today announced its new Ambassador will be golfing sensation Lydia Ko. The 16-year-old,
ranked No. 4 on the LPGA Tour, recently took supreme honours at the Halberg Awards and finished third equal at the
Australian Women’s Open. Ko will join Phil Tataurangi, who is also an Ambassador and Deputy Chair of The First Tee New
Zealand.
The charity, which began in the USA, aims to teach children strong personal values such as respect, courtesy and
integrity through the game of golf. Its value programme, taught in schools and golfing facilities, provides a powerful
tool for all children to develop strong character. Since its establishment in NZ in 2005, it has continued to grow
reaching more than 10,000 Kiwi kids.
David Hisco, The First Tee Chairman said: “Lydia Ko is one of New Zealand’s best and brightest young sportspeople and
we’re absolutely thrilled to have her on board as our Ambassador. Lydia is a true example of someone living The First
Tee values, not just in how she plays golf but also in how she lives her life off the course.”
Lydia Ko said: “I’m thrilled to join The First Tee as an Ambassador. The game of golf has taught me a lot. It’s my hope
that my involvement with The First Tee will inspire more children to take up the game and discover that through
perseverance, sticking to their goals, and lots of practice, that they can achieve their dreams as well.”
For more information on The First Tee charity and their annual Charity Golf Tournament at Muriwai Golf Course on
Thursday, 20 February, please contact Vicki Watson, 027 537 6088. (Website: www.thefirsttee.org.nz )
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