Lydia Ko's British Open triumph pushes her ahead of rivals for Supreme Halberg Award

Lydia's Ko sensational triumph at the women's British Open on Monday (NZ time) has reignited the flames of New Zealand's favourite sporting debate - who is the worthiest winner of the Supreme Halberg Award?

Ko's two-shot win at one of golf's most iconic majors capped one of the most remarkable months for an NZ sporting individual, which began with her gold medal victory at Paris 2024, where she completed her full set of Olympic medals to lock up her place as the youngest inductee to the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Debate had raged off the back of Ko's efforts in France whether she'd done enough to best perennial contender Dame Lisa Carrington, who brought three golds back from Paris, and Ellesse Andrews, who won double gold at the velodrome. Hamish Kerr will also likely be in the mix for his historic high-jump gold.

According to SENZ's Scotty & Izzy, Ko's stunner at St Andrews - where she banked her third major - should push her over the top to claim her third Supreme award at the annual NZ sports awards evening early next year.

When you put her achievement in the context of her miserable 2023 campaign, failing to place in the top 10 at any of the majors for the first time in her career, the resurgence makes it that much more impressive, notes co-host Israel Dagg.

"It's hard to really put into words what Lydia has been able to do," said Dagg.

"There's been all this talk the last couple of years where her form was at. She was going through changes. She just got married. People were asking if she's still committed to playing golf now she's achieved so much.

"To come out in the last month, win a gold medal and then to go on two weeks later and win another major, a third major (is incredible).

"We've just got to reflect at the enormity of what she's just achieved this morning. It's so bloody good, so good.

"She gets the Halberg. She gets it."

Scotty Stevenson endorsed his co-hosts' opinion, highlighting Ko's trademark composure that was the one of the foundations of her win at the British Open.

Playing in treacherous conditions, Ko walked on to the 17th hole in a four-way tie for the lead but held her nerve to see off her rivals - including world No.1 Nelly Korda - culminating on a clutch six-foot putt for birdie on the 18th which ultimately sealed her first major in eight years.

"I agree with you and the debate will rage, I'm sure it will. But to me, this achievement from Lydia Ko, on top of everything else she's done this year, is quite extraordinary.

"She's probably been the most consistent player throughout this Open Championship. Staying in the fight, staying in the grind. Her recovery shots were superb. Even her approach on the 18th. The title is hers. She knows what she has to do. She has to set up for birdie, make it tough on those chasing only two behind her on the course.

"And she did that. Leaves her approach shot within six feet. Putted beautifully throughout the tournament.

"It was just an outstanding performance from Lydia Ko."

Ko is a three-time recipient of the women's Halberg Award, claiming the trophy on three straight occasions between 2013 and 2015. Her last nomination was in 2022.

Her lone Supreme Award win was in 2013, when she became the youngest-ever winner of an LPGA Tour event - the Canadian Open - at just 15 years old.

Listen to the full chat below: