Castren becomes first Finn to win on LPGA, Green T3

Australian Hannah Green has finished third at the LPGA Mediheal Championship in Daly City, California, eight strokes behind eventual winner, Finland’s Matilda Castren.

It was Green’s 11th top-10 career finish moving her to 15th in the Rolex Rankings following four top-10 finishes this season including the Honda LPGA and the Hugel-Air LA Open where she also finished 3rd.

Matilda Castren (Credit: LPGA Tour)

Caster’s LPGA win was the first for a player from Finland and was achieved in just her 15th career LPGA tour start.

The 26-year-old, who began the day two shots back, finished at 14-under at the Lake Merced Golf Club in San Francisco.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” said Castren. “I knew one day it may be me but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I just played hole by hole and tried to stay really patient. I was thinking about winning the whole day. I just tried to focus on one shot at a time and it just happened.”

Castren got off to a fast start and was 5-under through the first five holes. She made birdie on the first three holes and then made a short eagle putt on the par-five fifth.

She made the turn at a sizzling 30, compiling a three-shot lead over third round leader Lee Min of Taiwan before securing the title with an impressive closing round off 65 for a two stroke win over Lee Min.

Minjee Lee was the next best Australian finishing in a share of 40th position at even par. Katherine Kirk was a shot back in a share of 46th position. Su Oh and Sarah Jane Smith rounded out the Aussies to make the weekend.