The LPGA Tour has arrived in Hawai‘i this week for the LOTTE Championship at Hoakalei Country Club, with Punahou graduate and 2023 U.S. Women’s Open champion Allisen Corpuz headlining the local contingent.
Corpuz, who turned pro in 2022, has already earned more than $5 million in prize money with 13 top-10 finishes and 41 top-25 showings on tour. Returning home to compete is always special, she said.
“I’m really looking forward to the week,” Corpuz said. “This is an event that I grew up attending and watching. Michelle [Wie] winning here at home was huge for me, she’s always been such a big role model. Just to dream of being out here and now actually playing, it’s always special to come home.”
Corpuz added that Hoakalei’s paspalum fairways and the tradewinds could give her an edge. “Growing up in the wind, being familiar with how the ball reacts is definitely an advantage,” she said. “I’ve played a few qualifiers here and this is my third time returning as a pro.”
This week’s 13th edition of the LOTTE Championship features a star-studded field, including Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking No. 2 Nelly Korda, three-time LPGA Tour winner Charley Hull, two-time LOTTE champion Brooke Henderson and defending champion A Lim Kim.
Joining Corpuz in representing Hawai‘i are Pearl City native and rookie Mariel Galdiano, along with amateurs Alexa Takai and Honorine Nobuta Ferry.
The tournament runs Wednesday through Saturday at Hoakalei Country Club.