Tavatanakit, Shibuno Tie for Fourth as Kupcho Prevails

Rancho Mirage, California, United States: American Jennifer Kupcho held her nerve to claim her maiden Major title at The Chevron Championship. Victory may have eluded Thai Patty Tavatanakit and Japan’s Hinako Shibuno but there were plenty of positives to be taken by the Asian duo.

Big-hitting Tavatanaki, the defending champion, posted a closing even-par 72 on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills. With a 10-under aggregate of 278, she ended in a share of fourth place with second-round leader Shibuno, 2014 champion Lexi Thompson of America and Celine Boutier of France.

Six strokes clear at the top going into the final round, 24-year-old Kupcho fired a roller-coaster 74, comprising five birdies and seven bogeys, to secure the US$750,000 first prize and her first LPGA Tour triumph. Her 14-under 274 total was two shots ahead of runner-up Jessica Korda with 18-year-old Slovenian Pia Babnik a further stroke back in third.

Kupcho, who is the 20th player to make The Chevron Championship her first Major title, said: “I think it’s surreal. 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.”

Although Tavatanakit’s hopes of becoming the seventh multiple winner of The Chevron Championship and just the second person to successfully defend her title, after Annika Sorenstam in 2001 and 2002, fell short, the Thai proved that she has the game to be a regular contender at the Major championships.

Meanwhile, Shibuno, the 2019 AIG Women’s Open champion, bounced back from a 77 in the third round to sign off with a 66. “Eleven strokes better than yesterday,” said Shibuno.

“This was my third time in Mission Hills and I always think about playing my best at the Major championship. I did great today. Doing great at the Major championships is my priority.”

Major winners and former Queen Sirikit Cup stalwarts Hannah Green of Australia and Korean Kim Hyo-joo were among four players tied for eighth on eight-under.

Other Asia-Pacific players to finish in the top 20 included Australian Minjee Lee (12th), and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, China’s Lin Xiyu, Thai Atthaya Thitikul and Japan’s Yuka Saso (all tied for 17th on 283).