Lonely life for champ

Green faces a new reality as she defends PGA title

EVEN the defending PGA champion has to dine alone in a COVID- 19 world, and after soaking up the lively frat house atmosphere of her accommodation last year en route to her major breakthrough, Aussie Hannah Green is feeling the difference.

Green’s parents were relieved when her travel plans to the coronavirus- riddled US were scuppered earlier this year as flights were cancelled and her home state of Western Australia went into lockdown.

But the Greg Norman medallist was never going to miss the opportunity to defend her title, and while the world is a different place, from where she can stay to who she can hang out with, Green hopes her golf can still be as good.

“It’s been a few adjustments, not just with the golf, with the mental side of things with golf,” Green said after arriving at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.

“It’s kind of strange being in a hotel versus last year being in a house full of seven people.

“I think my parents were really concerned when I still had my flight booked in March to go to Phoenix because the Tour was still not sure what was happening.

“Sure enough, the day before I was due to fly, everything got postponed and cancelled. I think my parents had a huge relief about that and kind of even myself. I just felt like I wanted to go play.

“I guess it’s a year where I get to go defend championships and meant to be one of the best starts to the decade really, but a little different this year.”

A self- confessed homebody, Green, 23, is forever battling life on the road, all the while trying to play her best. It’s a tougher battle this year, knowing how long she will have to be away.