Queen of Wilshire: Hannah Green Retains LPGA Los Angeles Championship Title

Australia’s Hannah Green cemented her dominance at the Wilshire Country Club, successfully defending her LPGA Los Angeles Championship title on Sunday. The 27-year-old golfer capped off a remarkable week with a three-stroke victory, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with on the LPGA Tour.

Green’s triumph marks her second win of the season, adding to her impressive victory at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore last month. This latest win showcased her consistency and ability to perform under pressure, propelling her towards a potentially stellar year.

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A Dramatic Rise and Fall

The final round began with Green sharing the lead with compatriot Grace Kim, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling head-to-head battle. However, Kim’s dream of securing her first LPGA Tour victory quickly faded. A challenging final round saw her struggle to find her rhythm, resulting in a disappointing six-over-par 77, leaving her without a single birdie on the scorecard.

Kim’s impressive start, which saw her at 12-under after two rounds, quickly unraveled as a five-over third round 76 on Saturday was followed by the equally frustrating final round performance. This unexpected turn of events opened the door for other contenders to challenge Green for the coveted title.

Stark Rises to the Challenge

With Kim’s pursuit faltering, Sweden’s Maja Stark emerged as the biggest threat to Green’s reign. Stark, riding high after her impressive runner-up finish at the Chevron Championship last week, displayed remarkable composure and shot a solid 68 in the final round. This impressive performance saw her finish the tournament nine-under-par, putting her in strong contention for the championship.

However, the absence of World Number One Nelly Korda proved to be a significant factor. Korda, who was on a record-breaking five-tournament winning streak, opted to skip the Los Angeles Championship. Her return is eagerly anticipated for the Cognizant Founders Cup, scheduled for May 9-12, where she will aim to extend her historic winning run to a staggering six consecutive victories.

Green Finds Her Groove

Green, known for her resilience and ability to adapt, overcame a slow start in the final round. After a birdie on the opening hole was cancelled out by a bogey on the par-3 fourth, she reached the turn at even par. However, Green’s championship pedigree shone through as she shifted gears on the back nine.

A crucial birdie on the par-3 12th ignited her momentum, followed by another birdie on the par-5 13th. Green further cemented her lead with a dramatic eagle on the par-5 15th, followed by a confidence-boosting birdie on the 16th. This dominant stretch on the back nine effectively sealed her victory, leaving her competitors scrambling to catch up.

A Home Away from Home

Green’s victory at the Wilshire Country Club extends her remarkable relationship with the course. In addition to her back-to-back titles, she also secured a second-place finish in 2022 and tied for third in 2021. This consistent success has fostered a deep connection with the course, which she playfully refers to as her “home club.”

The upcoming renovations planned for the course next year, which will force the tournament to take a hiatus, saddened Green. “It’s really kind to me,” she said, jokingly referencing the “member bounce” she seemed to experience throughout the tournament. Her fondness for the course is evident, and she expressed her eagerness to return for the 2026 edition.

The Final Push and Looking Ahead

Green’s near-flawless performance on the back nine left little room for doubt about the champion’s identity. Although she missed an opportunity for a finishing birdie on the 18th, the outcome was already clear. Reflecting on her victory, Green acknowledged the pressure she faced from Stark, but expressed satisfaction with her ability to maintain composure and secure a comfortable win.

“When I made eagle on 15 that kind of sealed the deal,” she said, highlighting the turning point in the final round. “I love it here. Such a great atmosphere. Really good crowds this year. Kind of sad we’re not returning next year, but looking forward to 2026,” she added, expressing her mixed emotions about the upcoming hiatus for the tournament.

Stark’s Maturation and the Road Ahead

For Maja Stark, the tournament provided another valuable learning experience. Her consecutive runner-up finishes at the Chevron Championship and the Los Angeles Championship showcase her growing confidence and ability to contend for major titles. While nerves