Jennifer Kupcho rediscovers winning ways at the ShopRite LPGA Classic

Three years ago, Jennifer Kupcho had a very good season on the LPGA Tour, punctuated by three victories, including one in a Major (the Chevron Championship). However, since July 16, 2022 (Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational), the American had not managed to impose herself on the American circuit. This Sunday, she finally found the path to success. Runner-up to leader Ilhee Lee on Saturday evening, Kupcho started her third round with a bang. The Colorado native slammed three birdies on her first five holes and quickly rose to the lead.

Although she was less impressive over the next six holes (one birdie, two bogeys), the 28-year-old golfer, who was adept at putting during this final sprint, pushed on another acceleration and bagged two birdies on the 14th and 16th. While the hardest part seemed over, Kupcho had to deal with a late charge from Ilhee Lee. Indeed, the South Korean returned to her level at the top of the leaderboard after registering a second birdie in a row on the 18th.

But a few seconds later, Kupcho also potted the birdie on the final hole of the course to confirm a card of 66 (-15 total), synonymous with his fourth triumph on the LPGA Tour: " It's just extraordinary. I think I had a lot of trouble at the beginning of the year and I had a lot of difficult weeks, a lot of difficult conversations. I feel really good. "

Despite her superb finish and, more broadly, her fiery comeback (five birdies), Ilhee Lee had to settle for 2nd place (-14). With a score of 68, the South Korean will likely regret her laborious outward journey (one birdie, three bogeys). For her second appearance of the season on the American tour, she still earned her first top 10 since... 2016! Only 3rd (-12), her compatriot Sei Young Kim made a hole-in-one on the par-3 17th, which allowed her to record a 65, the best of the day.

Ayaka Furue is 4th (-11). 5th place (-10) is occupied by Jin Hee Im, Azahara Munoz, Aline Krauter, Miyu Yamashita, Wei-Ling Hsu and Mao Saigo. For her part, Jeeno Thitikul posted a round of 68 (one eagle, three birdies, two bogeys) and finished 11th (-9), just ahead of Nelly Korda (15th, -8). The world number 1, who has still not won a single title in 2025, also finished her tournament with a card of 68 (one eagle, five birdies, four bogeys).