Australia’s latest major champion Hannah Green has capped an extraordinary 2019 season by receiving the most prestigious award in Australian golf, the Greg Norman Medal.
The West Australian was recognized 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 on Tuesday evening, host venue for this week’s Australian PGA Championship.
Following in the footsteps of fellow West Australian Minjee Lee, Green becomes 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 honor 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, who was 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, the 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.
“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,” Kirkman said.
“It’s such a thrill to award this prestigious honor to another talented woman. Hannah’s rapid rise has encouraged more people to take up golf. She has paved the way for the next generation of golfers."
CEO of the ALPG Karen Lunn said Hannah was a shining example of how hard work and dedication can pay off.
“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,” Lunn said.
“Women’s golf, thanks to Karrie Webb, Minjee Lee and Hannah, has never been stronger.”
Since her success, Green’s popularity has soared to new heights, the demands on her time one of the trappings of such fame.
Due to celebrate her 23rd birthday on Friday, Green has recently joined the IMG management stable to coordinate her various commitments, her dedication to the promotion of golf in Australia to continue to be a high priority.
“I'll definitely say yes to as many things as I can do,” said Green.
“Playing Vic Open and Aussie Open I've already got requests to do lots of clinics and media things during both of those weeks.
"I want to make sure that I can do as much as I can those weeks because I love playing at home and that's the only time I really get to play in front of a home crowd.
"Everyone's really great in supporting me out on the golf course so I want to give back as much as possible.”
Her commitment to Australian golf will likely include representing her country at the Tokyo Olympics in July next year alongside Minjee Lee, the blazer she tried on during the men’s Australian Open a fortnight ago further motivation to carry her 2019 form into the new year.
"I won't start my season until February at the Vic Open but I'm more motivated than ever because I now know what it tastes like and I want to have it again,” said Green.
"I've been trying on some stuff and filing out some forms so it's been really exciting. I can't imagine what it's like for other athletes competing just for the Olympics.
“I don't really know that I believe golf should be in the Olympics but if I have the opportunity to represent my country and possibly win a gold medal I'll definitely want to be there.”
Greg Norman Medal Honor Roll
2019 Hannah Green
2018 Minjee Lee
2017 Marc Leishman
2016 Jason Day
2015 Jason Day
OTHER AWARD WINNERS:
2019 MyGolf Deliverer of the Year
Gary Booby, The Ridge Golf Club
2019 National Trainee Professional of the Year
Joint winners – Ben Pisani, Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and Cooper Eccleston, Victoria Park Golf Complex
2019 PGA National Club Professional of the Year
Jason Roach, Cairns Golf Club
2019 PGA National Management Professional of the Year
Darren Richards, Nudgee Golf Club
2019 PGA National Game Development Professional of the Year
Lachlan Foulsham, Empower Golf
2019 PGA National Coach of the Year
Ritchie Smith, Royal Fremantle Golf Club
2019 ALPG Player of the Year
Sarah Kemp
2019 Ladbrokes Legends Tour Player of the Year
Mike Harwood, VIC
2019 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Player of the Year
Ryan Fox, NZ
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