Hannah Green narrowly held on to claim her first win of the season at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore. She defeated American Auston Kim by one stroke to win this tournament for the second time. “Asia’s Major” is Green’s first victory on tour since her win at the 2024 BMW Ladies Championship.
Following a third round 68 (-4), Green entered the final round tied with fellow Australian Minjee Lee at 11-under. The pair led Kim and Korea’s Haeran Ryu by one stroke as well. After a front nine of 33 (-3) by Green and Kim, they made the turn as the two favorites to win the tournament. After carding three birdies in her first six holes, Green had enough cushion that late bogeys on the final two couldn’t keep her from taking home the trophy. Green was proud of her performance so far this season.
“I felt like I had a really good preseason. I had a good week last week, but to say that I’m a champion so early in the season is kind of strange. But I also felt like I was playing really solid all week. So I feel like I’m deserving of the trophy,” she said.
This was Green’s first win with her husband on the bag, as her caddie could not leave the United States for this tournament. She had this to say on her win.
“It was absolutely a team effort out there today and the entire week, the last two weeks, really. So it’s very special to be able to share the 7th win, my favourite number, with my husband,” she said.
Lee battled on the back nine, but two bogeys on 15 and 16 were too much to overcome, and she settled for T3 for the week. Although she wasn’t able to convert the win this weekend, Lee was positive after the round.
“I feel like this sets up for a nice start to the year and a good year ahead. So I feel like I can take away a lot more positives than negatives from this whole week,” she said.
With Green’s win, she earned $450,000 and 500 points in the season-long competition, Race to CME Globe. She moved into second place behind Jeeno Thitikul in the rankings this season.
The LPGA Tour continues next week at the Blue Bay LPGA in China. Rio Takeda looks to defend her title at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course.
