In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Australian golfer Hannah Green mounted a dramatic back-nine comeback to secure victory in the JM Eagle LA Championship on Sunday, April 20, 2026. According to the Associated Press, Green's triumph came after a tense playoff, marking her third win in this prestigious event over the past four years.
A Nail-Biting Finish at El Caballero Country Club
Green closed the final round with a stellar four-under 68, forcing a three-way tie at 17-under 271 with competitors Sei Young Kim and Jin Hee Im. The tournament unfolded on the challenging, tree-lined course at El Caballero Country Club, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
The Playoff Decider
In the playoff on the par-4 18th hole, Green demonstrated exceptional composure under pressure. She executed a precise wedge shot from 130 yards and confidently sank a 12-foot birdie putt to claim the title. Kim, who had led earlier in the tournament, narrowly missed a lengthy birdie attempt, while Im struggled after driving right, reaching the green in three strokes.
"I had that putt, obviously very similar line in regulation, so I felt somewhat comfortable," Green remarked, as quoted by AP. "It still was a tough putt, so really glad it went in the hole."
Green's Impressive Career Milestones
This victory represents another significant achievement for the 29-year-old Australian, who previously won the JM Eagle LA Championship in 2023 and 2024 when it was hosted at Wilshire Country Club. With this win, Green becomes one of only two multiple winners on the LPGA Tour this season and elevates her worldwide win total in 2026 to four.
Green now boasts an impressive eight career LPGA Tour titles. Earlier this year, she secured victories at the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, the Women’s Australian Open, and the Australian WPGA, solidifying her status as a dominant force in women's golf.
The Rollercoaster Final Round
Kim entered the final round with a two-stroke lead and extended it to three shots on the back nine. She seemed poised for victory after chipping in for eagle on the 11th hole, momentarily holding a six-stroke advantage over Green.
However, Green responded with a birdie on the same hole and ignited a spectacular rally, birdieing holes 13 through 16. She narrowly missed a five-foot eagle putt on the 16th but managed to draw level with Kim and Im after Kim bogeyed the par-3 17th. Im had earlier electrified the crowd with a stunning 60-foot eagle putt on the 16th.
Notable Performances from the Field
Ina Yoon narrowly missed joining the playoff, finishing just one stroke back after a 69. She eagled the 16th, birdied the 17th, and nearly forced extra holes with a 30-foot birdie attempt on the 18th that came up agonizingly short.
Former UCLA standout Patty Tavatanakit shot 70 to finish at 14 under, tying with Haeran Ryu, who carded a 66. First-round leader Chizzy Iwai ended at 12 under after a 70, alongside Minami Katsu, who shot 68.
This tournament underscored the intense competition and high drama that define the LPGA Tour, with Hannah Green's victory serving as a testament to her unwavering determination and elite skill on the golf course.
