America’s Jennifer Kupcho won the season’s first women’s major, the Chevron Championship, after finishing on 14 under par at Mission Hills Country Club in California.
The 24-year-old, who had not previously won a tour event, took a six-shot lead into the final day after shooting an eight-under-par 64 in the third round, but stumbled to a closing 74 to beat fellow American Jessica Korda by two shots, with Slovenia’s Pia Babnik a further shot back in third.
“I’m still shaking, but it was just so fun to be out there. It’s taken a lot of hard work, and a lot of deep breaths,” said Kupcho after wrapping up her maiden win as a professional. “I’ve been so close a couple of times, so it has been really hard, but for my first win to be a major is crazy.”
Georgia Hall faired best of the English contingent, closing with a 69 to tie for 13th, while Charley Hull finished 25th and Mel Reid 44th following a final round 72.
The tournament, which traditionally ends with the winner and their caddie jumping into a pond by the 18th green of the Dinah Shore Tournament Course, is moving to a new venue in 2023 following a 51-year run at Mission Hills Country Club.
Jennifer Kupcho – What’s in the Bag
Driver: Ping G425 LST (10.5˚)
Fairway Wood: Ping G410 LST (14.5˚)
Hybrids: Ping G410 (22˚), Ping G425 (26˚)
Irons: Ping I210 (5-UW)
Wedges: Ping Glide Forged Pro (54˚, 58˚)
Putter: Ping PLD Kushin Prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1