Gruelling week but Green still keen

ON one hand, Australian golfer Hannah Green is gladly slipping out of the spotlight.

On the other, she can’t wait to be in it again.

Green finished tied for 13th at the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Adelaide, eight shots behind South Korean winner Inbee Park.

The 23-year-old, as Australia’s most recent major winner, was the local face of the tournament. Almost everywhere Green looked around Adelaide, she saw her noggin on promotional posters — same as the week before at the Vic Open. She signed countless autographs, posed for hundreds of selfies and made numerous media appearances.

And thousands watched her play as Green graciously adapted to being the centre of attention.

“It’s definitely something you need to get used to,” Green said. “Even last week at the Vic Open, having my face everywhere, and this week having my face around, is definitely something I haven’t experienced before. But I think it’s sometimes a good thing to have a little bit of pressure.”

Green’s scoring increased as the tournament progressed: rounds of 69, 71, 72 and a oneover 74 yesterday. Her 16 birdies were mixed with 10 bogeys over the tournament. But the sheer on-course numbers don’t adequately measure the success of Green’s week.

“This is definitely one of my favourite events ... so I’m really happy when I have a good result,” she said. “And I think I do have a good result because I got so many people here supporting me.

“I’m really happy that this week is done. It has been a long week and I’m pretty tired. But I can’t wait for the next one.”