In a display of grit and precision, Hannah Green holds a commanding two-shot lead at the Australian WPGA Championship entering the final round, while Indian stars Hitashee Bakshi and Diksha Dagar crack the top 10. After three rounds on the challenging Gold Coast course, Green stands at 14-under par, fueled by her recent triumphs.
The Australian powerhouse, fresh off wins at the Women’s Australian Open and HSBC Women’s World Championship, fired a 4-under 67 in the third round. Seven birdies offset four bogeys, keeping challengers Vanessa Necht of Switzerland and Cassandra Alexander of South Africa at bay. Green, a seven-time LPGA victor and major winner, remains unfazed by her frontrunner status. She expects fierce competition and record-breaking play on Sunday.
Not to be overshadowed, Hitashee Bakshi’s third-round 67 was a masterclass in comeback golf. A shaky start with two birdies and three bogeys gave way to birdies on 11, 12, and 14, culminating in an eagle on 18. Tied at 9-under with Diksha, she’s five back of Green after scores of 69-68-67.
Diksha Dagar stole the show with the lowest round of the day, a bogey-free (mostly) 65. Building on 67-72, she birdied early and often, shaking off a 13th-hole bogey with three closing birdies to surge into joint sixth. Her poise under pressure highlights why she’s a rising force in women’s golf.
Pranavi Urs, the third Indian qualifier, faced a tough third round, posting 75 with an eagle overshadowed by bogeys and a double. As the tournament heads to its climax, Green’s bid for a hat-trick hangs in the balance against a field brimming with talent. Will an Indian breakthrough or Green’s dominance prevail? Stay tuned.