Perth’s Hannah Green played a key role as Asia-Pacific swept to the inaugural Patsy Hankins Trophy in Portugal.
Green, who won 3.5 of a possible five points, saved an important half as the host European team made a last-day charge in the singles portion of the team matchplay event at Vidago Palace Golf Course, north-east of Porto.
The Australian No.1 hung tough against Italy’s Bianca Fabrizio in the second to last match, effectively sealing a 17-15 overall victory.
Asia-Pacific started the final day with a one-point edge, but was soon overtaken as Europe took 4.5 of a possible six points in the early singles matches.
But the visitors dug deep with New Zealand pair Julianne Alvarez and Wenyung Key enjoying big and important wins as their team won five of the final six points on offer.
Green and Hong Kong’s Tiffany Chan won half points in their respective matches to edge Asia-Pacific over the line, then impressive Japanese Nasa Hataoka sealed the two-point final margin in the bottom match.
It was a great tribute to the visitors, who made a 4-1 lead from the opening morning foursomes stand up through three gruelling days.
“Hannah was one of the key elements of the team’s win, playing up the order in big matches, setting the tone for the matches below,” Golf Australia high performance manager Matt Cutler said.
“She carried her form of the Australian summer over to Portugal and Asia-Pacific captain Libby Steele was high in her praise of Hannah’s team focus both on and off the course.”