Green, Papadatos win Vic Open

DIMI PAPADATOS and Hannah Green are this year’s Vic Open winners, and achieved their victories in different circumstances.

Major winner Green posted her first professional victory on home soil in grand style, claiming the women’s tournament at 13th Beach Golf Links by six strokes.

The 25-year-old West Australian had some nervous moments early in her final round on a hot and windy Sunday as her five-shot overnight lead was trimmed to just two.

But Green showed her class on the back nine of the Beach Course, draining three birdies to finish with a one-under 71 for a total of 13-under 276.

Her final-round playing partners Karis Davidson (72) and Whitney Hillier (72) tied for second on seven under, with LPGA Tour regular Su Oh and Cassie Porter in equal fourth at five under.
Three years ago, Green became only the third Australian woman to win a major when she saluted at the PGA Championship.

She backed that up later in the year with her second LPGA Tour victory at the Portland Classic.

But until Sunday, the missing piece of the puzzle was a four-round professional title in Australia.

“The Vic Open was my first ever professional event so it definitely has special memories for me coming here; some pretty random memories, but good memories,” Green said.

“This is just a stepping stone and will give me some positive vibes for when we do get our Australian Open back.

“We only get the opportunity a couple of times a year.

“Unfortunately I don’t get to play too many WPGA tournaments any more so it’s great that we’re getting some more events on the calendar and hopefully they can fit on my schedule from here onwards.

“It’s nice to finally have my name on a proper trophy over here.”

Papadatos joined the likes of legendary golfing countrymen Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle as multiple winners of the Vic Open.

The 30-year-old from NSW held his nerve to drain a tricky five-foot downhill putt on the final hole and claim a one-shot victory over New Zealander Ben Campbell.

But there was a pretty significant silver lining for Campbell and third-placed Australian Matthew Griffin, as the top three finishers were all guaranteed starts at the 150th British Open at St Andrews in July.

“It’s been a long time since my last win in Portugal four or five years ago and I wasn’t sure if I still had it in me,” Papadatos said.

“The Open is just an added bonus.

“I was obviously just trying to get the win today and that’s definitely the highlight.

“I’ll worry about the Open when it comes.”

Papadatos, whose only previous appearance at a major was the 2019 British Open at Royal Portrush, closed with a six-under 66 for a four-round total of 21-under 267.He and Campbell (66) both birdied the final hole in a grandstand finish.

New South Welshman Steve Prior held firm to win the Victorian Inclusive Championship in a tight finish, while Nick Taylor from Port Kembla Golf Club won the inaugural Australian Wheelchair Championship.