West Australian Kristie Smith has given talented teenagers Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko glowing report cards after spending the first two rounds of the Australia Ladies Masters watching them trade shots at Royal Pines.

While Thompson (67-70) and Ko (70-69) both played well enough to make the weekend cut, 23-year-old Smith, a winner in Australia, Europe and the US, will have to turn her focus to preparing for next week’s Australian Open in Melbourne after shooting rounds of 74 and 70.

Smith saw enough of 16-year-old American hotshot Thompson, who won twice last year including the Dubai Masters, and New Zealand’s 14-year-old Ko, who made history with last week’s NSW Open victory, to predict big things for both teens.

“They’re both unbelievable talents,” said Smith, who enjoyed the experience of being paired with two of golf’s brightest up-and-comers.

“Lexi’s ball-striking is ridiculous … her ball striking is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

“As soon as she holes a few putts and gets some confidence, well … it’s pretty amazing to watch.”

Smith said Ko was not as long off the tee but she was a wonderful putter.

“She’s got a really hot putter. They were great to play with, very relaxed and loved a chat.

“They were just typical teenagers really.”