SBW edged out by 17-year-old

Cape Town - Teenage golfing sensation Lydia Ko has edged Sonny Bill Williams to be New Zealand's most talked about athlete for 2014.

According to the Stuff website, the duo top a survey that records the number of times sports personalities are mentioned in website articles or blogs around the world.

The data doesn't include social media like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Ko's, 17, dominance of the American tour and impact on the global golfing scene can't be underestimated.

She collected 27 984 mentions between January 1 and December 5.

Williams, who starred in the NRL before switching back to rugby with the All Blacks and also received boxing media coverage, was next best at 24 900.

He was slightly ahead of New Zealand IndyCar ace Scott Dixon.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was fourth and Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum fifth.

2014 ONLINE MEDIA MENTIONS (January 1 to December 5)

NEW ZEALAND

Lydia Ko (Golf) 27 984

Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby) 24 900

Scott Dixon (Motorsport) 24 363

Richie McCaw (Rugby) 22 709

Brendon McCullum (Cricket) 20 939

WORLDWIDE

Cristiano Ronaldo (Football) 639 937

Lionel Messi (Football) 556 647

Roger Federer (Tennis) 469 380

Lebron James (Basketball) 442 996

Lewis Hamilton (Motorsport) 383 594