Hannah Green celebrated her recent marriage and took a big step towards the Paris Olympics in style nailing birdies on her final three holes including a monster putt on the last to with the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore.
Green’s victory, which netted her just over $400,000, elevated her in to rarefied air, becoming just the fourth Australian to win five LPGA events, snatching the win from would-be world No.1 Celine Boutier with her snaking putt for an 18th hole birdie.
The 27-year-old major champion had to come from behind, having fallen as many as two-shots behind at the midway point of the final round at Sentosa GC.
But she got red-hot and the birdie, birdie, birdie finish was the perfect way to seize her fifth LPGA win.
“A few years ago, I almost had this trophy in my hands and made two bogeys coming down the last (stretch), so it’s almost like it was meant to be today for me holing those two putts on the last two holes,” Green said.
“I’m so happy to have this in my hands.
“I knew that I needed to go low today in order to win because the conditions were a little bit softer today than the last few days.
“But I was talking to my coach on the phone last night, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, try and get as many birdies in early as possible’.
“So I like to make things a little bit interesting.”
Green, who recently married fellow professional Jarryd Felton, powered in to the top 10 on the LPGA’s season-long Race to Globe points and joined Aussie legend Karrie Webb as a victor in this prestigious $2.7 million, no-cut tournament.
“I’ve always loved coming to Singapore, even though it’s a bit more hot than what I’m used to in Perth,” she said.
“I love it here. I love the food and the fans have been amazing. I certainly felt everyone supporting me the last couple of holes.”
Green is also now in prime position to join fellow West Australian, and world No.5 Minjee Lee, on the Australian Olympic team for the second time.