Lydia Ko To Donate Prize Money To Nepal Quake Aid

Kiwi golfer (and world number one) Lydia Ko will donate any winnings from her current tournament to the Nepal earthquake relief effort, TVNZ has reported.

At her press conference during the Volunteers of America North Texas Shootout today, Ko said she would donate all of her prize money from this week's tournament to the relief effort in Nepal which was rocked by a deadly earthquake last week.

Ko is believed to be the first golfer to step up with generous support since the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks which have left more than 5,000 people dead.

One of Nepal's only golf courses has been transformed into a refugee camp.

Ko, who turned 18 last week, not only took away diamond and sapphire earrings from Swinging Skirts but massive cheque for $392,000.

The total prize pool at this week's event is close to NZ$2.4m. Last year's winner took home just over $250,000.