Hannah Green jetted from the Olympic Games in Tokyo straight to Scotland for the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, where she is joined by 30 Tokyo 2020 Olympians in this week’s field. When asked if the major champion felt any jet lag heading into her first LPGA Tour event since the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Green chuckled. Bouncing around the world is in the nature of the LPGA Tour, but Green said she has enjoyed some much-deserved rest since landing Sunday night from one of the most memorable experiences of her career. After not touching the clubs for five weeks, Green finished in a tie for fifth at Kawsumigaseki Country Club. Despite missing out on a medal, the 24-year-old said she has felt the impact over the past few days from representing Australia on the Olympic stage.
“I had a lot of messages from people who don’t particularly watch golf. I spoke with Webby (Karrie Webb) after the tournament. She was in hotel quarantine, so she pretty much didn’t have anything else to do besides watch golf, but she said that we got really good coverage being the second week, as there weren’t too many sports on,” said Green. “I feel like I’ve had a lot of messages from people that don’t even play golf or usually watch golf and have some new fans now.”
Green said she’s ready to get back in the swing of consecutive weeks on Tour, and like she has been playing catch-up with friends on Tour since returning to a place that feels like a second home. Green’s mother was born and raised in Fraserburgh, almost three hours north of Dumbarnie Links. Though fans are limited this week, Green is hoping for her family to make a possible appearance at the AIG Women’s Open next week at Carnoustie.
“I’m not sure if they’re allowed this week but I think [AIG Women’s] Open they’re going to definitely try and get out here. Normally my mom would come and we’d go visit up there but obviously with the strict bubble, it’s a little bit different. Fraserburgh is a few hours away, so I won’t be going there unfortunately to see them, but hopefully they can come and make it to the tournament.”
This is Green’s fourth appearance in the Women’s Scottish Open, with her best result a tie for 16th in 2020. She said she enjoys this style of golf, as it’s a different experience from any courses in Australia.
“It’s different, links golf. You can hit great shots and they end up in a bad position, and the complete opposite can happen too. You can hit horrible shots and they end up great, so it’s definitely a week where you have to be extra patient. I haven’t actually looked at the forecast, but obviously if it’s windy and rainy it’s going to make it quite difficult,” said Green. “From what I’ve seen, the golf course looks really nice and I’m not sure what the wind direction will be, but I think the LPGA and LET will do a good job setting up the course.
“You’ve got to use your imagination, got to think a little more outside the box. I like when I have to think a little bit harder and worry about where the ball is going to go.”