Grace Kim holds her scorecard after firing a record setting 62. Photo: Annika Foundation

NZ Gulf

Australian Grace Kim has shot an ANNIKA Invitational record with a stunning round of 10-under-par, 62 to take the absolute lead on the ANNIKA Invitational Australasia.

It will be a special week for Kim who celebrated her 18th birthday at the opening ceremony to make an ANNIKA album of all her worldwide events and personal record at the Royal Wellington Golf Club.

After she had placed a new clutch bird on the last hole, her eighth of the round, she was greeted by no one less than Annika Sorenstam herself with a bite of congratulations. Kim also made an eagle on the fourth hole to keep a one-shot lead in the final round.

"I started off with a birdie, birdie start and then just missed my birdie before I made an eagle that was pretty cool, I was angry, so no mistakes were good and I'm happy," Kim said.

The now 18-year-old and world number 85 was ecstatic to beat her previous best of seven-under and with ease and even got a hug from the world's best to show.

"I made the putt at 18 and I did not even know Annika watched and she came to me and hugged me and said well done I could not say anything It was crazy!"

At night leader, Yuka Saso remains a huge threat in what has almost become a shootout between the couple. With one strike, the next best is behind Saso Doey Choi from Australia, who leaves behind four more shots.

Flying the fourth place with the Kiwi flag is the New Zealand Amateur Champion, Vivian Lu who still impresses this week. After an opening round of 71, she went a lot better today to score a solid round of 70 and she will enjoy the experience of playing in the penultimate group.

The last group will start tomorrow at 9:20 am, because local golf enthusiasts will have the chance to see two of the future greats in our own backyard.

Full scoreboard here