‘Kind to me’: Aussie wins on LPGA Tour

Australian star Hannah Green has made a successful defence of her LA Championship crown, shooting a final-round 66 to win the LPGA event by three strokes from Sweden’s Maja Stark.

Green, who was also victorious at Wilshire Golf Club last year, became just the second player to win twice this year on the LPGA Tour, the other being world No. 1 Nelly Korda.

“It’s really kind to me,” 27-year-old Green said of the par-71 layout.

“I felt like a couple times today almost got like a member bounce. I really am fond of the golf club and joked that they didn’t approve it with me that they were making alterations.

“I love it here, It does feel somewhat like home in a sense that I have so many people that come and watch me. There are a lot Aussies come as well and cheer me on.”

Green’s 12-under total secured the Perth product her fifth win on the LPGA Tour and took her career prizemoney beyond the $US5m ($A7.6m) mark.

“I feel like when my game is going good, it’s good,” she said.

“I’ve still got to tweak some things when I’m not playing so well, but it definitely gives me some confidence, not only just playing here at Wilshire, but the (March) win in Singapore, (in) just making sure I stay patient and being able to win tournaments in the back nine.”

Fellow Australian Grace Kim, who started the day in a share of the lead with Green at seven-under, had a final round to forget, shooting 77 to finish the tournament in a tie for 25th at one-under.

“Grace unfortunately didn’t have weekend she wanted, but I know she’s capable of playing really good golf,” Green said.