Jennifer Kupcho won her first LPGA title in almost three years on Sunday, taking home the title at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. She pulled out the victory in a very close final round. Closing with a spectacular 8-foot birdie putt, she even fended off strong-charging competitor Ilhee Lee and the threat of steady light rain.
Kupcho’s victory snaps a winless streak dating back to her incredible three-win season of 2022. Completing the 54 holes at 15-under 198, she proved her resilience early and often during a tense final day’s battle. Kupcho started quickly, proving to be human early on by making two bogeys, looping the front nine in 39 shots. She bounced back in style with a birdie on three of the final five holes, including a key 20-foot birdie putt at the 14th that vaulted her into the lead.
Once Kupcho sank her last putt on the 18 th hole, she ensured that no playoff would be needed. With that courageous move, she returned for the first time in three years to the winner’s circle, in one of just two LPGA competitions played over 54 holes. This victory only adds to her long string of successes. It has quickly grown into four LPGA Tour victories, in addition to a major victory at the Chevron Championship.
In contemplating her brilliant round, Kupcho admitted just what this victory means following a long drought from hardware. “Honestly I was just kind of not thinking about anything else,” she said. “It just feels amazing.” Her confidence grew as she noted her consistent ball striking leading up to the event: … I really feel like I just brought my ball striking into this week.
None other than runner-up Ilhee Lee, who recently returned to the tour after taking six months off to have a baby. Having worked for Financial Forum for 100 days before returning to the sport, she expressed her passion for teaching golf during her time away. When I was given the opportunity to teach golf, I seized upon it. I enjoyed every minute of it! As Lee put it.
Kupcho’s win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic is her own redemption. Perhaps more than anything, it underscores her devotion to the sport—a devotion that’s been tested in a multitude of ways both on and off the course in recent years. She has only run in a total of 18 events in the last seven years. Entering her final year of college—balancing her education and a recent job outside of golf—this win is all the more special for her.
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