Allisen Corpuz soon after her great win – photo James Gilbert USGA
Displaying a level of calmness and composure well beyond her experience at the elite of women’s golf, 25-year-old, Allisen Corpuz, today won not only her first LPGA Tour title but the greatest title in women’s golf, the US Women’s Open.
Beginning today’s final round at Pebble Beach Golf Links one shot back of Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, Corpuz would have been forgiven for backing off today and finishing inside the top ten perhaps without necessarily challenging for the title.
But, with a display of brilliant ball striking and clear thinking after outplaying those around her, Corpuz stood on the 18th tee three shots ahead and, as she had all day, plotted her way along one of golf’s finest finishing holes to claim not only the title and a US2$ million but an assured future in the game and a special in its history.
This was, after all, the first occasion the event had been played at a venue as American as apple pie and for that alone Corpuz will be forever associated with this historic moment but so too will the manner she conducted herself over the demands of a golf course where one false step may well have brought her dreams undone.
While not a necessarily recognised name on the LPGA Tour, Corpuz has played well this season with just two missed cuts in 12 starts and has two top 4 finishes amongst those starts.
When asked what were her previous memories of the US Women’s Open, Corpuz was quick to identify the win of fellow Hawaiian Michelle Wie in 2014.
“Yeah, I mean, the big one, of course, is Michelle winning in 2014 at Pinehurst,” said the champion. “I remember being at home and just being amazed.
“Yeah, just really being inspired by her. Just all the history. I mean, a major championship, it’s really cool.”
This was not the first time Corpuz had been in contention in a major having been in the mix a couple of times already in 2023 but she acknowledged those experiences had played a key role in today’s outcome.
“I feel like everything that’s happened this year has kind of prepared me for this moment. It’s super special that both of my parents out here this week. I mean, my dad only does KPMG and the U.S. Open, so really nice that he’s out here.
“I had a ton of family, friends out. I had my aunt and uncle and cousin out earlier, boyfriend’s parents, my college teammate. Just a lot of people out here.
“It was just really awesome to know that we’re at Pebble, such a historic venue, and yeah, just really amazing.”
When asked what it was that kept her as calm as she appeared expecially given the occasions and what was at stake Corpuz responded;
“I think I’ve always had a pretty calm demeanor. Not so much on the inside, but projecting that outwardly. I’ve always been pretty calm. I just like to take a bit of time to think about things. That’s just kind of who I am.
“I spoke with my mental coach, Bill Nelson, a bit this morning just to try to calm down a little. Really just tried to keep things steady. For me I get a little quick, so really just tried to slow everything down and enjoy the moment.”
Corpuz paid tribute to her caddie, who by chance happens to be the husband of fellow LPGA Tour player and winner, Jennifer Kupcho.
“Yeah, we just got randomly connected at the end of January last year and he’s just been on the bag ever since. We had a really good first week. He’s just really calm, and I think he knows what to say in the right moments for me, especially since we’ve been working together for about a year and a half now.
“He was a pretty solid player on his own, and obviously married to Jennifer Kupcho. I think she gives him some advice to pass on to me. He has some advice for me. Yeah, just kind of has always felt like an older brother to me.”
England’s Charley Hull and Korean Jiyai Shin tied for the runner-up position three shots behind the winner, their respective rounds of 66 and 68, allowing them to threaten the leader if she was to stumble.
Hannah Green, Grace Kim and Minjee Lee tied as the leading Australasians in a share of 13th place and will earn around US$167,000 each, Green’s final round of 69 the fourth best of the day.
Lydia Ko and Gabi Ruffels finished tied for 33rd.
Opinion footnote – If they can find a way to stop the ridiculous practice of rushing across the green to spray water on winners then this writer will be a lot happier. Corpuz was unable to enjoy a very special moment on her own due to others admittedly wanting to congratulate her but perhaps also to share her moment of fame.
