Galloway, N.J. – Jennifer Kupucho stopped Ilhee Lee at Shoprite LPGA Classic on Sunday, ending nearly three years of drought without winning, closing in light rain on an 8-foot birdie putt.
Kupcho, which includes the Chevron Championship major in four LPGA Tour titles, birded three of the three of the last five holes at 5 under 66.
Lee was a 36-hole leader in the final round on the Seaview Hotel’s rain-soaked bay course, soaking that par 3 17th place moved to play only 76 yards. She had two early bogeys, shot a 39 in the front and retreated.
However, the Koreans brought five birdies behind, including the last two holes for the 68. It was not enough to catch Kupucho, who was in her own world.
Kupcho finished at 15 under 198 in one of two LPGA events over 54 holes.
“I really didn’t think about anything else,” Kupcho said. “I think I set it at 14 under so I was really trying to get to that number, obviously it’s a little better. Yeah, I feel really good.
The 36-year-old Lee won her only LPGA title in the Bahamas 12 years ago, on a course shortened to 12 holes due to historic rain. However, she had only played 18 times in the last seven years, so after completing her college degree she worked easily at the Financial Forum. Recently she was a part-time golf teacher.
Lee was number 1,426 in the world rankings for women and entered the field as the winner of previous tournaments.
“I worked at the Financial Forum for 100 days before going outside,” Lee said. “Then I was like, ‘Oh, I’m good at golf,’ so I started teaching a bit, not full time, but I loved it.
“So, since then I’ve been teaching a little, playing and rehabilitating at the same time, and doing more treatments on my shoulders, back and ankles. I still have very few students waiting for me in LA so I can meet them next week.”
Kupucho won a much-needed victory without a trophy after a three-week 2022 season.
“That’s just amazing,” Kupcho said. “I had a lot of hard work early this year, a lot of tough weeks, a lot of tough conversations, and I think it felt good.”
She said she gained momentum last week at the US Women’s Open despite missing out on the cup.
“It’s sometimes not going well for me and the US. I think we just hit the ball this week,” Kupcho said. “I hit the ball really well last week, and hit it well this week and sunk the putt.”