Jaye Marie Green lives from the word “Blessed” that hangs on a necklace around her neck. She always has a smile on her face. But that smile can hide turmoil at times.
With just two top 15 placements in 2021 ahead of the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer, it was sometimes hard to keep your smile. It turned into a full grin after Green ended her week on the Jersey Shore in a tie for seventh place at -7, crowned by a season high of 66 on Sunday.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs on and off the golf course,” said Green, who was eighth in the top 10 of her career. “It’s hard to play good golf when other things aren’t going well. Things in life were good and I think that made it easier to play better golf. “
Green had a spectacular front nine on Sunday and made the turn out of six birdies at 6-under. She cooled down on her back, carded a bogey at number 10, and made eight pars into the clubhouse. She said that as soon as she got up this morning she knew it was going to be a good day.
“It was almost like playing a video game. I just did what I wanted to do, ”said Green. “I thought, oh, that’s fun. I wish it was like this every day. “
Green paid great tribute to her caddy Jack Clarke, who picked up her bag at the beginning of the season. Up until this year, Green had usually worked with her brother Matt or her father Donnie, so it took some getting used to having someone new. As someone who relies heavily on her caddy for support, Green believes Clarke’s work – and friendship – is a critical part of today’s success.
“He believes in me and that really helps. Because I haven’t played well this year and I know he probably got better deals, but sticking with me (is great), ”said Green. “He helps me a lot on and off the golf course. He became like a really good friend. “