Hannah Green: ‘Winning the Women’s PGA was the most nervous I’ve ever been’

Last year, the Perth golfer became the first Australian woman to win a major tournament since Karrie Webb in 2006. Ahead of the Australian Open in Adelaide, she tells Michael McGuire she’s never known pressure like hitting that winning putt.

Last year, the Perth golfer became the first Australian woman to win a major tournament since Karrie Webb in 2006. Ahead of the Australian Open in Adelaide, she tells Michael McGuire she’s never known pressure like hitting that winning putt.

The first time

I don’t really remember now but I’d say that (the first time I hit a golf ball) it didn’t go very far, maybe 10 metres or so, which I would have been so excited about.

Hooked on golf

I think the thing that hooked me the most was the change in course as well as the conditions. I’ve always played individual sports like tennis and swimming so to play golf with so many different variables like weather, grass and course really pushed me, but I loved the challenge.

Realising I was good

I’d have to say when I first represented Australia. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with golf when I was playing around WA but when I made my first national team and got to meet other players from around the world that’s when I thought I could be good enough to do this for a living.

Hannah Green. Picture credit: PGA of Australia

If not golf, what else?

I don’t really know. I get asked this question a lot and I would say that I would probably still be an athlete. I have always been very sporty and my parents have always been able to give me opportunities to try lots of different things. Perhaps a swimmer or tennis player.

Putting to win a major

(Winning the Women’s PGA championship) was the most nervous I have ever been in my life. Most of us professionals try and do drills when we practise to try and mimic pressure like that, but it’s never the same. I don’t know if I’ll ever have pressure like that again.

Seeing the ball drop is …

The most relieving sight in the world. I have hit putts from that length and break over a thousand times to imagine winning a tournament, but to have the opportunity to be in that position and also have pulled it off is amazing.

Life-changing win

The first thing I noticed was the recognition from my fellow players. I’ve had so many people come up to congratulate me and some of those I haven’t introduced myself to. Also being more recognised by the golf world here in Australia. Going to golf courses and being asked to sign a hat or take a photograph has taken some getting used to.

Penny for your thoughts

At the moment I’m trying to not think about too much now that I’m getting back into competition mode. I have my swing patterns and know what I need to do when things aren’t going well. My coach Ritchie Smith is really good about giving me drills to do on the range to help me with my swing if I’m struggling with it.

Australian Open pressure

There will definitely be some more pressure at this year’s Aus Open but I’m really excited. I’ve had some really good results in the tournament the last few years so I’m really hoping that I can do well in front of a home crowd.

What it means to win it

I have always said it would just be like winning a major for me. I think it is one of the hardest things to do, to win your national open. It’s an event I would love to get on my resume.

Key to playing well

Royal Adelaide is a great tournament course. You are required to hit a variety of shots and also hit nearly every club in the bag. I’d say whoever wins this year will be very solid on the greens, but it’s a second-shot golf course. We don’t always hit great shots and it’s very easy to miss greens at Royal, so making sure you don’t short side yourself and miss it in the best spot will always help.

Down time

I don’t often get time to relax but when I do I don’t go to the golf course. If I’m home I’m catching up with my family and friends, and if I’m away I try to be a tourist and see the amazing places that we get to travel to.

The ISPS HANDA Women’s Australian Open is at Royal Adelaide Golf Club, February 13-16, womensausopen.com