The consistency of world No.1 Lydia Ko is the talk of the field heading into the first women’s major of the year.

In-form New Zealand 17-year-old Ko will chase her first major crown at the ANA Inspiration tournament in California starting on Thursday (Friday AEDT).

Victory would make Ko the youngest major championship winner in LPGA history, surpassing American Morgan Pressel, who won at the same Mission Hills course aged 18 in 2007.

Given her performances in 2015, Ko will be rated tournament favourite by many pundits.

She has shot 28 consecutive rounds under-par, one short of the record set by former world No.1 Annika Sorenstam of Sweden 11 years ago.

The lack of a major title is the only blemish on her already impressive career, 10-time major champion Sorenstam told journalists.

“That’s really what she’s missing at the moment.

“Even though at that young age you would think she’d be missing a lot more, but she’s certainly done a lot. I am amazed how well Lydia is playing.”

Defending champion Lexi Thompson of the United States played alongside Ko during the Kiwi’s third-place finish at the Kia Classic last week, her fifth top-seven in five LPGA events this year.

She could see why Ko is yet to miss a cut in 48 events on the LPGA Tour, including 15 as an amateur.

“There is not a weakness in her game,” Thompson said.

“She’s very straight off the tee, and has a great short game. You can’t ask for anything better than that,” said Thompson, who won by three shots last year.

“She has a great attitude on the golf course, and probably the best tempo I’ve ever seen on a golf swing or a putting stroke.”