Richard Green’s successful rookie year continues in Virginia
Richard Green – file photo PGA of America
Richard Green might have missed out on a first PGA Tour Champions victory last weekend when beaten at the first extra hole of a playoff with Harrison Frazar, but the 52-year-old Victorian has cemented his standing on the PGA Tour Champions, moving up seven positions to 17th in the Schwab Cup standings and taking his earnings in his rookie season beyond US$1 million.
It was Green’s 5th top ten of his debut season after gaining access to the tour via the demanding qualifying process in December of last year and showing remarkable consistency throughout.
The winner of three European Tour titles in addition to events such as the Mastercard Masters and the Vic Open in his homeland, the elegant leftie began his rookie season well when 3rd in Morocco and has hardly looked back and despite not completing a breakthrough win this week he has the benefit of a successful first season behind him to build on in 2024.
Green was unable to match the birdie of 52-year-old Frazar in the playoff for this week’s event but the US$194,000 will provide some consolation and set him up for the remaining two events of the season.
Following on from Rod Pampling’s win last week and the continuing success of New Zealand’s Steve Alker, Australasian golfers are making their mark on the PGA Tour Champions.
