Hannah Green, Australia’s latest Major champion, capped an extraordinary 2019 season by receiving the most prestigious award in Australian golf, the Greg Norman Medal.
Hannah Green shows off the Greg Norman Medal. Picture by Australian PGA.
The West Australian was recognised for her two-win season on the LPGA Tour in the United States at a gathering of the Who’s Who of Australian golf at RACV Royal Pines Resort, host venue to the Australian PGA Championship.
Following in the footsteps of fellow West Australian Minjee Lee, Green is the second consecutive female recipient of the award, recognition of her Major championship triumph at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship which she followed up with victory at the Cambia Portland Classic.
“It probably wasn’t expected from myself or my peers that I would win a Major as my first event and to go back two months after and win another one it just shows that you never know what can happen with golf,” said Green.
As she did at Hazeltine National, Australian legend Karrie Webb was present to help celebrate Green’s latest honour which she hopes to use to further inspire juniors at her home club at Mount Lawley and throughout Australia.
“Karrie’s done a great job to give the scholarship to us so I’d love to do as much as I possibly can, especially to juniors in WA,” said Green, a recipient of the Karrie Webb Scholarship in 2015.
“It’s hard for us to go to Aussie Opens, even men’s events. I never had that luxury until Karrie took me to the US Open so that’s why I’m so grateful for her showing me as much as possible in one week. I’d love to open other little girls’ or boys’ eyes to see what it is actually like on Tour.
“When I was young I didn’t really look up to too many people. Probably my dad at the start because he’s the person that plays in my family. He was my first real idol.
“Karrie became my idol when I went to the 2015 US Open. That was the first time I’d ever met her and seen her play in person. I got to know her not as Karrie Webb the golfer but as Karrie Webb the person. Since then she’s been an idol and a big sister.”
Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia, said Green’s career-defining year has elevated the young star to hero status and will encourage more juniors to take up golf.
He said: “Hannah has had an extraordinary year. To win her maiden Major then back it up with another win on the LPGA Tour demonstrates Hannah is a proven champion. Hannah’s rapid rise has encouraged more people to take up golf. She has paved the way for the next generation of golfers.”
Karen Lunn, CEO of the ALPG, said Green was a shining example of how hard work and dedication can pay off.
She said: “Hannah truly deserves this award for all her hard work. She is an inspiration to a new wave of young girls eager to take up golf. Women’s golf, thanks to Karrie Webb, Minjee Lee and Hannah, has never been stronger.”
Green’s commitment to Australian golf will likely include representing her country at July’s Tokyo Olympics, alongside Minjee Lee.
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