Lydia Ko successfully defends New Zealand Women's Open

Lydia Ko at home on the range, and in the bunker.

Lydia Ko didn’t let the small matter of an earthquake get in the way of her winning the New Zealand Women’s Open, her third victory at the event in four years. We guess that’s why she is the world’s number one woman golfer.

A 5.7-magnitude quake hit the Christchurch area just 10 minutes before Lydia Ko started her round.

But play was able to go ahead, and she duly carded a two-under 70 for yet another win in her own country. She’s clearly very much at home here.

Her two-shot victory was over England’s Felicity Johnson, the South Korean amateur Hye-Jin Choi, and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen.

"It was lucky I wasn't out there playing (when the quake struck) because I wouldn't want to be in the middle of my swing and the ball moves somewhere else," said Ko after her winning round.

"I could feel some tears coming after the 18th hole," Ko said. "It's been a long week, a lot of emotion and a lot of people to share this amazing victory with. Especially given how much New Zealand golf has been a support to me and my career."

New Zealand, and specifically Christchurch, is very prone to seismic activity. The last big earthquake hit Christchurch in February 2011 and killed 185 people.

For more on women's golf click here to enjoy Ha Na Jang's samuari celebration.