Child golfing sensation Bohyun Park has been identified as an “emerging talent” and a potential New Zealand representative by New Zealand Golf’s national selection panel.

In February, the 12-year-old became the youngest player to have ever played in the New Zealand Women’s Golf Open.

NZ Golf has invited the Korean-born Wentworth College student to a national junior girls’ training camp in July “with a view to monitoring and assisting the development of the ‘next generation’ of New Zealand representatives”.

New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy said Bohyun is an exciting young talent and that the organisation is looking forward to having her at camp and seeing her develop.

Bohyun’s father, Ju Ha Park, said he will be applying for New Zealand citizenship for his daughter to help her realise her dream of playing for New Zealand.

“I know I have pushed her hard, sometimes too hard, but she has excelled beyond all expectations,” he said.

“I feel that she has the potential to represent New Zealand and be the next Lydia Ko, so I think the time is right for us to be citizens of this country.”

Mr Park left Korea for New Zealand four years ago with the sole intention of progressing Bohyun’s golf.

Nicknamed “Little Lydia”, Bohyun said she saw Ko as her “big sister” and “idol”.

“My dream is to be like her, and I want to play for New Zealand just like her,” Bohyun said.

Bohyun, who moved to New Zealand when she was 9, said she felt more at home in New Zealand than in her native South Korea.

“This is where all my friends are, and I have no problems becoming a citizen because I feel totally Kiwi,” she said.

Gulf Harbour Country Club secretary manager Kim Bond said both Bohyun and Lydia shared a lot of similarities.

“They are really focused in training but unlike some other competitive golfers, they know how to enjoy a good laugh once they’re away from the course.”

Bohyun had also trained under Lydia’s old coach, Guy Wilson, and with a +4.2 handicap she’s better than Lydia was at her age.