Kupcho leaps into history
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — Jennifer Kupcho took the last victory leap into Poppie’s Pond late Sunday afternoon in the California desert, ending the tournament best known as the Dinah Shore’s half-century run at Mission Hills.
Six strokes ahead entering the day, Kupcho shot a 2-over 74 for a two-stroke victory over Jessica Korda in The Chevron Championship.
“I think it’s surreal,” Kupcho said. “To be a major winner is really special and to be the last person here at Mission Hills to jump into Poppie’s Pond, it’s all really special.”
Kupcho, who finished at 14-under 274, is the seventh player to win their first LPGA Tour title in the event that started in 1972 and became a major in 1983. The tournament is moving to Houston next year.
The 2018 NCAA champion at Wake Forest, Kupcho broke through in her 65th start on the LPGA Tour.
Kupcho took the traditional plunge into the pond next to the 18th green with husband Jay Monahan and caddie David Eller.
Korda shot a 69. Fighting a back problem, she holed her approach for eagle on the par-4 third and pulled within four with birdies on Nos. 11 and 12.
She got as close as two strokes on the back nine.
“Second place is not bad after being 3 over through seven (Thursday), so pretty proud of myself,” Korda said after her best major finish. “I really wanted to win this one because I love this event. Pretty bummed that we’re leaving, but I understand why.”
■ PGA: At San Antonio, J.J. Spaun won his first PGA Tour event by firing a final-round 69 at the Valero Texas Open. Spaun finished at 13-under at TPC San Antonio for a two-shot margin over Matt Kuchar (69) and Matt Jones (66). The win in his 147th PGA Tour start earned Spaun the final invitation to next week’s Masters.
■ Champions: Steven Alker cruised to at six-shot victory at the Rapiscan Systems Classic, shooting a 7-under 65 in the final round at Grand Bear Golf Club in Biloxi, Mississippi, to set a tournament record at 18 under.
Padraig Harrington (65), Alex Cejka (67) and Bob Estes (71) tied for second.