The Ko effect is hitting New Zealand greens.

Inspired by world No1 Lydia Ko, New Zealand girls are picking up the clubs to follow in the footsteps of the 18-year-old golfing juggernaut.

As Ko continues to roll on with her second LPGA major victory at the ANA Inspiration, more young women are taking to the game than ever before.

New Zealand Golf general manager Dave Mangan is sure Ko is a key driver behind an upward swing in junior female playing numbers.

“Based on the fact that she’s now New Zealand’s most recognisable female athlete, even arguably our most recognisable athlete in general, I’m sure young ladies aspire to be like her.

“She’s a fantastic role model and her influence on young New Zealanders is incredibly positive.”

That influence can be seen in a steady rise in the number of girls playing golf since 2013, the year Ko turned professional.

New Zealand Golf recorded 964 under-18 female members holding handicaps across the country’s clubs last year, up from 849 two years ago.

Conversely junior men’s memberships have fallen each year in the same period, down to 4531 in 2015 from 5393 in 2013.

“We have anecdotal evidence that there are more juniors playing, especially with junior girls,” Mr Mangan said.

“I suppose you could attribute that to the Lydia Ko factor, it definitely has something to do with it.”