Hannah Green Claims Third LA Championship Title in Dramatic Playoff
Australia’s top golfer, Hannah Green, made history on Sunday by securing her third LA Championship title after a thrilling three-way playoff on the LPGA Tour. The victory came at the first hole of sudden death, where Green sank a long birdie putt to edge out South Koreans Kim Sei-young and Im Jin-hee.
This win marks Green’s eighth LPGA title overall, adding another chapter to her impressive career. The event, held before the Chevron Championship—the first women’s major of the year—was a significant milestone for Green, who now has four global victories this season.
Green entered the final day two shots behind Kim Sei-young but managed to make a remarkable comeback with a four-under-par 68 that included five birdies on the back nine. Despite a shaky start on the front nine, where she had a birdie and two bogeys, Green remained determined.
“I felt like I was doing what I said I wanted to do yesterday, hit more greens,” Green reflected. “I honestly didn’t think I was in the tournament still after those early holes.”
Despite the challenges, Green managed to qualify for the playoff, joining Kim and Im at 17-under 217. She admitted that the crucial birdie putt on the first hole of the playoff was a tough one, but she was relieved when it found the bottom of the cup.
“Even though it was a similar line to what I had in regulation, it was still a difficult putt. I’m just glad it went in,” she said.
Green’s Form and Recent Success
Green has been in red-hot form this year, winning the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, the Women’s Australian Open, and the Australian WPGA. Her success has been consistent, and this latest victory in the LA Championship is a testament to her skill and determination.
Although this is her third LA Championship title, Green couldn’t rely on familiarity with the course this time. The event was held at El Caballero for the second consecutive year due to renovations at Wilshire Country Club, where she previously won in 2023 and 2024.
Kim Sei-young, a 13-time LPGA winner, started the day with a two-shot lead after an unpredictable third round that saw her eight-shot advantage disappear with four straight bogeys. However, she managed to regain momentum with a chip-in eagle at the par-five 11th, putting her one shot ahead with two holes to play. Unfortunately, she bogeyed the par-three 17th, finishing with a two-under 70.
“Just a little disappointed because I had a good chance for the win,” Kim admitted.
Im Jin-hee’s path to the playoff looked bleak after a double bogey at the 10th, but she made a strong comeback with a five-under 67, including an eagle at the par-five 16th. This performance helped her join the leaders for the playoff.
The Playoff Drama
The playoff began on the 18th hole, where Im missed the green with her second shot, and Kim failed to convert her birdie attempt. This set the stage for Green to deliver the decisive blow, as she converted her birdie putt to claim the title.
Green’s victory not only adds to her legacy but also solidifies her position as one of the top players in women’s golf. With the Chevron Championship approaching, Green will look to carry this momentum into the next major event.
