Katherine Hull puts name down for first NZ Women's Open

Australian Katherine Hull, ranked 30th in the world, is a definite starter in next month's inaugural New Zealand Women's Open in Christchurch.
After four years on the US women's college circuit as a student at Pepperdine University, Hull, 26, achieved her breakthrough win in the Canadian Women's Open on the LPGA Tour last August and has eight top-10 finishes.
She is the first world-class player to sign up for the NZ Women's Open to be played at the Clearwater course from January 30 to February 2.
Her late season run included a second, a fourth, a sixth and a seventh.
"It's actually addictive when you start to see your name up on the leaderboard," Hull said.
"But it's not something I got carried away by - it makes you work harder because you realise how much you want to do it and see it up there again."
Hull said she was keen to add to her winning run in New Zealand.
"I came to New Zealand for the first time last year on holiday and it's probably my favourite place on earth right now," she said.
"I am really looking forward to playing there and to win the very first New Zealand Open would be fantastic."
Promoters New Zealand Golf say they are confident of signing more quality players ranked in the world's top 100 to play in the NZ Women's Open.