Jennifer Kupcho – her first LPGA Tour tile a major- photo Harry How Getty Images / LPGA
Hannah Green has staged an impressive weekend at the opening major event of the LPGA Tour’s year, the Chevron Championship, and finished in a share of 8th in the final staging of the event at its long standing traditional home of Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.
Green produced one of the better final 36 holes in the event to come from seven shots off the 36 hole pace and although she still finished six behind the winner Jennifer Kupcho she passed several of the game’s best to finish as the leading Australasian.
It was Green’s best finish in now five starts in the event, which was being played for the final time at Mission Hills before heading to Houston and a new venue next year.
Minjee Lee lost ground after sharing the lead through the opening round and finished 12th, while Lydia Ko and Gabi Ruffels shared 25th.
For the winner, Kupcho, it was her first LPGA Tour title and made it a memorable first win given it was a major title.
Kupcho began the final round with a six shot lead but Jessic Korda, who was ailed by a back strain for much of her final round, applied as much pressure as she was able and Kupcho struggled to the winning post with four bogeys in her last six holes.
“Honestly, I came out just trying to shoot a couple under,” said the winner. “I mean, I had a six-stroke lead and I shot 8-under yesterday, so I figured if someone can do that, then they deserve to be in a playoff.
“That was my mentality and what I was fighting for all day. Obviously didn’t get there, but still pulled it out.
“I think I’ve matured a lot in the last year, and even since I’ve been out here. But I think my putting has got a lot better. I’ve been able to calm myself down a lot better.
“Obviously I still have my spurts of anger, but I think that’s how I get it out quickly and then move on. I think my whole mental game has gotten stronger.”
