Allisen Corpuz, a graduate of Punahou School in Hawaii, has continued the illustrious reputation of the prestigious private school with her victory at the US Women’s Open. Corpuz, at 25 years old, became the second Women’s Open champion to emerge from Punahou, following in the footsteps of Michelle Wie West.
Corpuz’s victory at Pebble Beach in California marked a significant milestone for the school, as it now boasts two women’s major winners. With a tearful West bidding farewell to the sport after missing the cut on Friday, it was a poignant moment for Hawaii’s only two women’s major champions.
I never really thought I’d get this far, Corpuz confessed to reporters. She expressed admiration for her fellow Punahou alum, Michelle Wie West, who has been a huge role model for her. Corpuz’s aspiration has always been to make her own name in the sport, but Wie West has served as a source of inspiration.
The triumph by Corpuz, the first American to win the country’s national championship since 2016, did not escape the notice of Punahou’s most famous alumnus, former US President Barack Obama. Obama, who graduated from the school in 1979, took to Twitter to congratulate Corpuz on her victory and even proposed a match at Kapolei Golf Club, a prestigious club near the seventh hole, which happens to be close to the location of Corpuz’s parents’ house.
Punahou School has an impressive list of alumni, including notable names like AOL co-founder Steve Case, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, actress Kelly Preston, NASA astronaut Charles Veach, and Olympic gold medalist surfer Carissa Moore. However, Corpuz holds Barack and Michelle Wie West in high regard, considering them the most prominent Punahou alumni.
Corpuz entered the final day of the US Women’s Open one stroke behind leader Nasa Hataoka. However, Hataoka’s dreams of securing her first major title unraveled with a disappointing final round, dropping her back to fourth place. In contrast, Corpuz started the day strongly, birdieing twice in her first three holes. Despite accidentally catching sight of the leaderboard, Corpuz stayed composed and ultimately secured a comfortable victory.
The Hawaiian golfer finished the day at three-under, sealing her maiden major and LPGA Tour triumph at nine-under overall. With the win, she claimed the title and a share of the record $11 million prize purse, taking home a $2 million winner’s share.
Reflecting on her victory, Corpuz described it as a dream come true and a surreal experience. She emphasized the significance of the US Open being held at Pebble Beach, a historic venue known for hosting multiple men’s US Open championships, including an unforgettable edition in 2000 when Tiger Woods dominated the field.
Corpuz expressed her appreciation for the course’s rich history, particularly referencing Woods’ remarkable performance. She believes that being familiar with the venue’s legacy adds an extra layer of interest for viewers. As the winner of the first women’s major held at Pebble Beach, Corpuz has earned her place in golfing history.
Allisen Corpuz’s victory at the US Women’s Open not only reinforces the prestigious reputation of Punahou School but also serves as an inspiration to future generations of female golfers. Her triumph showcases the talent and determination that can emerge from this small private school in Hawaii, adding another remarkable chapter to the institution’s rich history of producing successful alumni across diverse fields.
