Hannah Green walked off Columbia Edgewater Country Club at -16, three shots off the lead after a frustrating 1-over 73 in the third round of the Cambia Portland Classic.
It’s the first time she’s in contention since taking the victory at July’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, a tournament that altered her life’s trajectory on the LPGA Tour.
“I don’t want people to think that I won a major championship and that’s all I’m going to do. I just want to make sure that I’m consistent,” Green told LPGA.com after play Saturday.
That work toward consistency began with a four-week layoff in Australia after the victory. The first two weeks were filled with various media stops and well-earned time with friends.
One major adjustment she dealt with is increased public recognition. A memorable moment came at an Australian Football League event, when she was interviewed by the Fremantle Dockers.
“A lot of my friends were at the Dockers game. They saw me on the big screen and were like, “Where are you?” Green said. “That was really nice. Just the perks of being a major champ have been nice.”
Green admits that watching Aussie Rules Football and other sports has not been a top priority for her. With her major victory, she’s working toward changing that.
“I want to be a bigger supporter for Australians,” said Green, a native of Perth, on Australia’s western coast. “I want them to support me, so I figured I should probably do the same thing and follow their sports as well.”
She also had time with family and friends, who were oblivious to the gravity of her accomplishment. “It was almost nice that they didn’t get it,” she said. “I wasn’t too big headed and obnoxious when I was at home.”
The perks of fame in her native Australia joined the five-year LPGA Tour exemption Green earned with the major victory. That exemption allowed her the flexibility to decide when to return to the Tour after her big win, ultimately making her debut as a major champion one later at the Evian Championship, when she was grouped with fellow major winners Jin Young Ko and Jeongeun Lee6.
As she’s returned to play, she’s dealing with the double-edged sword of additional media attention.
“The biggest surprise is how draining it can be, trying to give everyone a bit of your time and be polite to everyone,” said Green. “I’ve got to manage myself and not spend too much time but also be grateful to it.”
Her caddie Nate Blasko, who linked up with her this year, noted the same thing, saying, “She’s always been great with everyone, giving anyone the time of day.”
Green gave her time politely to everyone after Saturday’s 1-over round at the Cambia Portland Classic, obligingly offering autographs and selfies to numerous fans with a sun beginning to set in the Pacific Northwest.
She then headed over to the driving range, working on her ball striking as she faced down her goal of not being remembered as only a one-time major winner.
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