If her first practice round at the Home of Golf is anything to go by, Lydia Ko is in for an exciting week at the British Open, which tees off on Thursday.
The world No 1 amateur, who has finished in the top-10 in seven professional events in 2013, continued her momentum in her first attempt at the most famous links in the world.
"Played St Andrews Old Course for the first time! It was sooo fun! Shot -7! Was a great experience," Ko posted on Facebook.
The 16-year-old finished in a share of 17th and as the leading amateur at last year's British Open and is looking to become the youngest major winner in history. American Morgan Pressel was 18 years, 10 months and nine days old when she won the 2007 Kraft Nabisco Championship and Tom Morris was 17 when he won the 1868 British Open.
She has finished as the low amateur in four of her five majors and was runner-up in the amateur honours in the 2013 US Open.
"I am very excited for The Open," Ko said. "It's played at St Andrews and that's why I'm more excited with the history and tradition at this course. I am very lucky to get the opportunity."
Ko earns every opportunity she gets. She has not missed the cut in 22 professional events in a streak that dates back to the 2010 New Zealand women's open and it's a run that has seen her climb to a world ranking of 17.
"The pot bunkers at St Andrews will be really tricky," she said. "Links golf definitely makes it much more interesting. I like it. I am aiming for hopefully a better position than last year. It should be a fun week."
Two weeks ago Ko finished in a tie for seventh at the Marathon Classic in Ohio on the LPGA Tour and was content with her performance. She is pleased with how she has played throughout 2013.
"I had a cold, so I wasn't at my best condition [in Ohio]. I just did the same as I do for every other round. It was nothing special.
"My form is pretty good. Being top 10 in any tournament means it was a really good week."
World No 1 Inbee Park will attempt to become the first player, male or female, to win four major championships in one season.
