New British Open champion Lydia Ko has jumped nine places up to number three in the latest world golf rankings. Ko’s triumph at St Andrews on Monday was her second big victory of the month after winning gold at the Paris. She has also claimed two other top ten finishes which has resulted in a dramatic climb from the start of the month when she was number 22 in the rankings.
American’s Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, who both finished second to Ko in Scotland, remain number one and two. Ko’s Olympic victory made her eligible for golf’s Hall of Fame and at 27 she is the youngest to earn such as accolade. A decade ago she became golf’s youngest world number one and in 2015 she fired a record 63 to grab her first major at the Evian Championship. She added the ANA Inspiration title in 2016.
The British Open was her third major title. “It’s been a whirlwind of a past three weeks. It’s been crazy to get into the Hall of Fame by winning the gold. These are things that I could have never imagined because they were just too good to be true.” Yesterday’s victory has enhanced Ko’s claim for the Halberg Supreme Sports Award.
At this stage the top contenders are all Olympic champions. Dame Lisa Carrington is in line for a fourth supreme award after claiming three gold medals in Paris. High jumper Hamish Kerr and cycling champion Ellesse Andrews are also in line for nomination. Ko won the supreme award in 2013 and was named sportswoman of the year from 2013 to 2015, Carrington has dominated the award since.
