A Thrilling Comeback and a Historic Win
Australia’s Hannah Green delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in recent LPGA history, storming back from a six-shot deficit on the back nine to claim her third title in four years at the JM Eagle LA Championship. The victory came in a three-way playoff against South Koreans Jin Hee Im and Sei Young Kim, with Green sealing her win through a clutch birdie putt on the par-4 18th hole at El Caballero Country Club.
Green’s path to victory was nothing short of extraordinary. After making a late charge with four straight birdies and five birdies in a six-hole span, she needed a crucial bogey by then-leader Kim at the par-3 17th hole to force a tie at 17 under par. Green finished the fourth round with a 68, while Kim posted a 70 and Im had a 67 before they returned to the tee box for the playoff.
In the playoff, Im struggled off the tee, missing the fairway and the green. Green and Kim were both in the fairway, but Green managed to position her approach shot closer than Kim. After Kim missed a long birdie attempt and settled for par, Green faced a 12-foot putt that curled right to left and dropped into the hole, securing her third LA Championship title.
A Dominant Presence at the Event
Green, now 29, has won three of the four editions of the LA Championship and three of her eight LPGA victories have come at this event. She claimed the 2023 and 2024 editions, both played at Wilshire Country Club, with the 2023 win also coming in a three-way playoff.
Reflecting on the playoff, Green admitted to feeling nervous. “I’m definitely nervous,” she said. “I felt like that wedge (second shot) probably flew a little bit further because of the nerves from within. No, I don’t think I would be doing this or be in contention if I wasn’t nervous. Those are the feelings that you want when you’re out here. That’s what makes you want to just do it over and over again.”
Green started the tournament at 12 under par, but after Kim eagled the 11th hole to push the lead to 18 under, Green made a birdie and then went on a hot streak with birdies at holes 13 through 16. “Felt like I was doing what I kind of said I wanted to do yesterday: Hit more greens,” Green said. “Felt like it was quite difficult to get it close to the green. I felt like I was giving myself good opportunities but I had so many downhill putts and you just can’t really be aggressive with them.”
A New Era of Prize Money
The tournament also saw a significant announcement on Saturday, as the CEO of JM Eagle, Walter Wang, revealed an increase in the purse by $1 million, bringing the total to $4.75 million. This makes the event one of the most lucrative on the women’s golf circuit, trailing only major championships and the CME Group Tour Championship.
South Korea’s Ina Yoon finished one shot out of the playoff at 16 under, while Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit and South Korea’s Haeran Ryu tied for fifth at 14 under.
With her second win of the season, Green climbed into third in the season-long Race to CME Globe points standings, behind only Nelly Korda and Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea.
A Season of Growth and Success
Green’s performance this season has been nothing short of impressive. Her ability to stay composed under pressure, combined with her strong play on the course, has solidified her as one of the top players in the LPGA. As the season continues, fans can expect more thrilling performances from Green, who has shown time and again that she thrives in high-stakes situations.
Her journey from a challenging start to a triumphant finish serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in professional golf. With her eyes set on future titles, Green is poised to continue making waves on the LPGA tour.
