Jennifer Kupcho of Westminster isn’t likely to land low-amateur honors at the U.S. Women’s Open on Sunday. After all, 17-year-old South Korean Hye Jin Choi not only is the top amateur after Saturday’s third round at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J., but she’s tied for second place, one shot behind leader Shanshan Feng.
But, barring a final-round collapse by Choi, Kupcho is certainly in position to finish No. 2 in the amateur ranks in the top women’s golf tournament in the world.
Kupcho shares the No. 2 spot among ams at 1-over-par 217 after she shot a 1-under 71 on Saturday. Choi owns a 208 total, while Lauren Stephenson is tied with Kupcho at 217, and Rachel Heck is at 218. (Kupcho is pictured; photo courtesy of Janet Kupcho.)
Kupcho, the Women’s NCAA runner-up and a three-time CWGA Player of the Year, stands in 27th place overall. She’s improved her scores each round, having gone 74-72-71. On Saturday, she made five birdies and four bogeys, finishing with a bird on No. 18 after dropping three shots from 13-17.
The Wake Forest junior-to-be has made a remarkable 14 birdies over the first 54 holes. She ranks No. 7 in putting this week with a 27.33 average per round.
Kupcho will be paired with Moriya Jutanugarn and will tee off at 10:02 a.m. (MT) on Sunday. The Fox Network will televise the final round beginning at noon (MT).
Here are the round-by-round scores for each of the players with strong in-state connections who have competed this week:
27. Jennifer Kupcho, Westminster 74-72-71–217
Missed 36-Hole Cut
CU golfer Robyn Choi 76-77–153
Former CU golfer Emily Childs 77-80–157
For all the scores from the U.S. Women’s Open, CLICK HERE.
