Jennifer Kupcho Gets Candid After Ending 3-Year Drought
The ShopRite LPGA Classic once again lived up to its legacy, delivering thrilling moments on a rain-soaked Seaview Bay Course in Galloway, New Jersey. Known as a 54-hole sprint, the event has a strong tradition of major champions taking the crown 20 in the last 27 editions and this year was no different.
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Jennifer Kupcho clinched her fourth LPGA title with a closing 5-under 66, finishing at 15-under 198, one shot ahead of South Korea's Ilhee Lee.
The 28-year-old golfer hadn't won since her three-title run in 2022. She entered the week following a missed cut at the U.S. Women's Open but quickly rebounded.
Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
"So like random stuff like that just to like keep my mind off of it," Kupcho said.
At no.2 of the tournament, Ilhee Lee was playing her first event of 2025 and reminded everyone of her talent despite limited play in recent years. Her 68 wasn't quite enough, but she left a mark with her inspiring comeback story.
Kupcho said she stayed in her zone and was simply trying to hit a target. 'I think in my mind I had set on 14 under, so I was really just trying to get to that number. Obviously did a little better,' she said per ESPN.
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Even while leading, she found ways to lighten the mood. 'Halfway through the round we were trying to figure out the difference between an otter and a beaver,' Kupcho laughed. 'Just random stuff like that to keep my mind off it.'
Earlier this year, Kupcho had tough conversations with her support team. 'I felt like I had completely lost what I was doing,' she admitted. But on Sunday, with the rain falling and nerves calm, she rediscovered her rhythm, and her smile.
Related: World's No. 1 LPGA Golfer Sends Clear Message Ahead of Final Round of ShopRite Classic
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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