Jennifer Kupcho ends title drought with dramatic one-shot victory at ShopRite LPGA Classic

Jennifer Kupcho claimed her first LPGA Tour title since 2022 with a thrilling one-stroke victory over Lee Il-hee at the ShopRite Classic, finishing with a five-under-par 66 on Sunday at the Seaview Hotel & Country Club.

Kupcho, whose breakout year in 2022 included a major win at the Chevron Championship, sealed the win in style by sinking a clutch birdie putt on the 18th hole, finishing at 15-under 198 for the 54-hole event.

“It feels amazing,” said Kupcho. “I think I struggled a lot early in the year—tough weeks, hard conversations—and it just feels good.”

Kupcho’s Comeback: Strong Finish Seals It

Starting the day one shot off the lead, Kupcho quickly surged into contention with birdies on holes 2, 3, and 5. She stumbled with bogeys at the 6th and 11th but regrouped with a birdie at 9 and a spectacular finish—birdies at 14, 16, and 18—to edge past Lee by a single stroke.

Lee Il-hee Comes Close, Falls Just Short

South Korea’s Lee Il-hee, seeking her first LPGA title since 2013, led entering the final round but faltered early with three bogeys in her first seven holes. A resilient charge featuring five birdies, including three straight on the back nine and a strong finish on 17 and 18, brought her to 14-under 199, narrowly missing out on forcing a playoff.

“I was kind of nervous, first time starting as a leader,” Lee admitted. “I got through it pretty quick and finished great.”

Kim Sei-young Delivers Fireworks with Ace, Takes Third

Fellow South Korean Kim Sei-young lit up the course with a hole-in-one at the par-3 17th, en route to a six-under 65. Her total score of 12-under 201 earned her solo third.

Kim’s final round was a rollercoaster, including three straight birdies (11–13), a double bogey at 14, and a bogey at 15, before the ace at 17 and birdie at 18 capped a dramatic back nine.

“It was like a rollercoaster, up and down,” said Kim. “But the ace? Amazing.”

Quick Highlights:

• Kupcho: 1st win since 2022, 4th LPGA title overall
• Lee: Narrow runner-up finish after leading into the final day
• Kim: Third LPGA career ace boosts her to third place
• Course: Seaview Hotel & Country Club, Galloway, NJ

SportsLigue