After four thrilling days of action in Pebble Beach, California, Filipino-American Allisen Corpuz captured the 2023 US Women’s Open title.
The 25-year-old from Honolulu finished 72 holes on nine-under 279 to defeat England’s Charley Hull, who fired a final-round 66, and South Korea’s Shin Ji-yai, who shot 68.
Corpuz took home the record $2 million prize.
“This is really a dream come true. It was something I had dreamed of, but at the same time, I kind of just never really expected it to happen,” Corpuz, also of Korean descent, said in a report by ABS-CBN News.
“[I’m] just trying to take it in and enjoy the moment.”
Corpuz, who started playing golf at age five, said it was her father who introduced her to the sport.
“My mom is Korean and my dad is Filipino,” said Corpuz, who traces her roots to Ilocos.
“My parents actually live on Kapolei Golf Course on the left side of No. 7. My dad has always been a really big golf fan and just got us into it really young.”
There were other golfers with Filipino blood who also competed in the tournament, including Yuka Saso, the 2021 US Women’s Open champion. She finished in 20th place after going 5-over par.
Filipino-American Amari Avery finished at 10-over par. Philippine golfer Dottie Ardina came in at 53rd at 11-over, while another Filipino-American, Zoe Antoinette Campos, crashed out after settling for 13-over in the opening round.
