Golf: Lydia Ko deserves ticker tape parade

Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, kisses her trophy as she poses for journalists after winning the Evian Championship women's golf tournament. Photo / AP.

Get out the streamers Auckland. Clear the main street.

Lydia Ko may only be 18, but she's already done enough to deserve a ticker tape parade in Auckland, a la the Wellington reception for Michael Campbell when he stunned the golf world by holding off Tiger Woods in his prime to win a major.

It has already reached a point where it is difficult to comprehend what Lydia Ko has achieved. Her first victory in one of the five women's majors means she is already an all-time great in golf.

Ko's victory in France today makes her the youngest ever winner of a major. She has already reached No. 1 in the world, a position she relinquished but will dominate for years to come.

It is sad to say that there was skepticism bordering on racism as Our Lydia emerged, people who doubted the Korea-born prodigy who started golf as a tot at Pupuke would continue to play under the Kiwi flag.

Draped in that very flag, she declared victory in the Evian Open in France was a dream come true, while her coach David Leadbetter relayed how proud she was to hear the New Zealand anthem. Those who find this patriotism vital can sleep easy.

I get a trickle of emails across my desk lamenting that Ko is not cherished enough in New Zealand, that she does not get the sort of media attention she deserves.

It's a subjective business, and the fact is that women's sport does not get the same fanfare as the men do. A shift in broadcasting rights, which has moved golf to a subscription service, hasn't helped either.

But this is Auckland's first big chance to really show what we think of a truly amazing sports person who has emerged from this city. It's also an opportunity to redress the balance in regards to mens and womens sport.

There is no doubt that Ko will become the first New Zealander to win multiple majors - Campbell (2005 US Open) and Bob Charles (1963 British Open) are our other winners.

Her career so far is not only filled with trophies, but a humble demeanour allied to what comes across as a fun-filled personality that keeps a good perspective on life. Yet she not only took hard work to the extreme, but has made steely decisions, the key one being a change of coach after turning professional.

Ko has not only reached unbelievable heights for someone so young, but she has struck a blow for women's sport in this country. She has also illuminated the joys of living in what is becoming an increasingly multi-cultural city. She is an absolute and much-loved star, and when she arrives back in her home town in six to eight weeks time it's time to show her that we know that.