In the stunning setting of Pebble Beach, California, Allisen Corpuz effortlessly conquered the grandest and most captivating stage in women’s golf.
Despite her lack of prior victories on the LPGA Tour and the prevailing buzz surrounding the groundbreaking U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, Corpuz remained unshakable. Not a single pressure or expectation could cause her composure to waver.
While navigating the course, Corpuz occasionally paused to gaze around, realizing the magnitude of the moment. “Here I am at Pebble Beach,” she mused, fully aware that few places could rival the splendor of this extraordinary location.
Allisen Corpuz showcased an exceptional display of skill and grace as she triumphed on the illustrious stage of Pebble Beach, California. Despite her lack of previous victories on the LPGA Tour and the significant anticipation surrounding the groundbreaking U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, Corpuz remained steadfast and composed. She proved impervious to the pressures and expectations that accompanied the event.
While maneuvering through the course, Corpuz occasionally paused to absorb the awe-inspiring surroundings, fully recognizing the magnitude of the moment. “I find myself here at Pebble Beach,” she reflected, appreciating the unparalleled magnificence of this remarkable venue.
Barack Obama, the former President of the United States, wasted no time in extending his congratulations to Corpuz via Twitter, highlighting their shared alma mater, Punahou School in Honolulu. Overwhelmed by the surreal turn of events, Corpuz described the entire week as a dream come true.
The last time an American player claimed her first victory at the U.S. Women’s Open was in 2003 when Hilary Lunke triumphed in a three-way Monday playoff at Pumpkin Ridge. Corpuz, finishing at an impressive 9-under 279, stood out as the sole player to break par throughout all four days of the tournament.
Corpuz dominated the competition, leaving little room for her challengers. Nasa Hataoka, who held a one-shot lead on the first hole, quickly lost her advantage when Corpuz’s approach shot landed within 5 feet, setting up a birdie opportunity. Hataoka struggled in the closing holes, dropping multiple shots.
The two contenders reached the turn tied, but Corpuz seized a crucial moment on the 10th hole. Her approach shot positioned her within 10 feet of the hole, resulting in a birdie. However, the pivotal point arrived at the par-3 12th hole. Corpuz found herself in the bunker, facing a 15-foot par putt, while Hataoka’s birdie attempt from the fringe rolled 5 feet past the hole. Corpuz successfully made her par, while Hataoka missed her putt, extending Corpuz’s lead to two strokes.
Corpuz further solidified her lead, expanding it to an impressive four shots with exceptional wedge shots. On the par-5 14th hole, her wedge shot found the green and settled within 8 feet of the hole, resulting in a birdie. She continued her brilliance on the 15th hole, hitting another remarkable wedge shot that stopped just 4 feet away, securing another birdie. With these consecutive birdies, the battle for the championship turned into a competition for second place.
Charley Hull, who began the final round seven shots behind Corpuz, managed to close the gap to just two shots early on the back nine. Hull stayed in contention with a remarkable 30-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole. It was only later that she realized Corpuz was steadily pulling away. Undeterred, Hull showcased her determination by taking a bold 3-wood shot from beneath a cypress tree in the middle of the 18th fairway. She nearly executed the shot to perfection.
Summoning her inner resolve, Hull muttered to herself, “Shy kids don’t get sweets,” before confidently striking the ball and then dropping to one knee to watch its trajectory through the air.
Jenny Shin, a two-time major champion from South Korea, birdied the 18th hole to join Hull as a runner-up. While she was not in serious contention for the victory, Shin celebrated the significance of the moment for Corpuz and women’s golf as a whole.
“I’ve only watched Pebble Beach on TV, and now we finally have the opportunity to play here,” Shin expressed. “This course carries a rich history, and now the history of women’s golf is intertwined with it.”
That historic achievement now belonged to Corpuz. She joined Michelle Wie West as the only major champions hailing from Hawaii. Wie West claimed the Women’s Open title at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014 and recently played her final major tournament at Pebble Beach, marking the end of her illustrious career in the majors.
Both Michelle Wie West and Allisen Corpuz share a strong connection through their roots in the Aloha State, their attendance at Punahou School, their emphasis on education (with Wie West graduating from Stanford and Corpuz obtaining a business degree and an MBA from USC), as well as their early involvement in USGA events. In fact, Corpuz even surpassed Wie West’s record by becoming the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links at the age of 10.
Corpuz holds Wie West in high regard as a role model and draws inspiration from her achievements. Breaking Wie West’s record in the Public Links was a significant moment for Corpuz, but she has always strived to establish her own identity in the sport while acknowledging the influence and inspiration provided by Wie West.
Having competed in her 19th USGA championship, Corpuz is well-versed in the USGA’s emphasis on accuracy and patience, adhering to the formula of hitting fairways and greens. Her experience and composure make her well-suited for such demanding conditions, even on a picturesque day at Pebble Beach, where maintaining focus can be challenging.
During the tournament, Mary Bea Porter King, a renowned figure in junior golf in Hawaii and a highly influential individual in the game, served as an official behind the fifth green. Corpuz’s association with the Hawaii junior program began at the young age of 7. Known for her calm and collected demeanor, Corpuz methodically navigated her way through the golfing landscape, earning a reputation as a formidable competitor. She displayed her fearlessness throughout her career, evident even at Pebble Beach, where the course presented a formidable challenge with its trademark winds. Only a mere seven players managed to finish the tournament under par, highlighting the difficulty of the conditions.
Despite her impressive performance on Saturday with a 66 that outshone the rest of the field, Nasa Hataoka faltered on the back nine, carding a 40 and ultimately settling for a tie for fourth place. Bailey Tardy, the 36-hole leader, also struggled on the weekend with scores of 75 and 73, but managed to achieve her best finish in her rookie season on the LPGA Tour.
Rose Zhang, who had previously dominated the amateur circuit and triumphed in her first LPGA Tour event as a professional, encountered difficulties throughout the tournament and closed with a 72. While she secured a top-10 finish, she was not a contender in the race for the title this time around. Nonetheless, Zhang has demonstrated her prowess in the major championships as a professional, securing top-10 finishes in both of them.
