Allisen Corpuz set to defend her U.S. Women's Open title

Last year's U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach belonged to Allisen Corpuz. Shooting a final round 69, Corpuz won the 78th edition of the U.S. Women’s Open by three shots at nine-under-par over England's Charley Hull and Korea's Jiyai Shin. Corpuz became the first American since Brittany Lang in 2016 to hoist the Harton S. Semple Trophy and only the seventh in the last 23 years. She also joined a long list of players to make the U.S. Women’s Open their first win on the LPGA Tour.

The 26-year-old spoke to assembled golf media on Tuesday ahead of her title defence:

What does that week mean to you?

It's so special. I think I've said it a bunch, but just being able to share the win with everyone, and had a trophy tour, bring it home, bring it to the clubs I practice at, that was really special. Being out at Lancaster, it's so beautiful out here, and I'm really looking forward to the week.

Are there any nerves as you walk around and maybe see your face on places like posters?

Yeah, absolutely. As soon as I walked on property a month ago, Julie puts up a huge poster of me outside the clubhouse entrance. Yeah, it's been awesome. Nerves but definitely excitement as well. It's awesome. I think the USGA, LPGA families are both great.

How different is it for you, if at all, coming in as a reigning champion in this tournament as opposed to chasing the trophy?

I think there's a lot of confidence, just knowing I've done it once. So in theory, it should be easier to do it a second time. I think just the attention definitely feels like there's a little bit more obligations. I mean, I'm definitely grateful for it. I think it's great. I love just signing autographs for young kids and stuff. I think that's awesome. But at the same time, it is new.

Does it make it more special that the U.S. Women's Open was your first LPGA Tour victory?

Definitely. I think a lot of players say it and definitely echo that. The U.S. Open, because you're an amateur and you can qualify, this is like our first professional event that we play usually. For my first win to then be at Pebble and be the U.S. Women's Open was really special.

I know you talked about the fans, the recognition, but how has your life changed as a major champion and LPGA Tour winner?

A lot more than I expected. All in good ways. It feels like I have a little more of a platform and just the opportunities and the people that I've met. I know for sure there's a lot of things that wouldn't have happened if I didn't win. Just trying to take it day by day and be grateful for that.

Just talking about the setup this week, what about a U.S. Women’s Open setup is different from every other week on Tour?

I think, first and foremost, one, the rough is much thicker, and two, just the distance with it being a par 70 especially, just two par-5s. I think the card has it as 6,500. A few more longer irons and a few woods actually for me on a few of the par 4s. That's definitely the main thing. And just the greens are really undulated. So just a lot of break on the longer putts.

How are you feeling coming into your title defence?

Feeling really good about it. I've been hitting the ball really well, just haven't really had the putter going. Been working on that. Looking forward to it, and whatever happens happens.

The 2024 U.S. Women's Open Presented by Ally tees off at 6:45am local time on Thursday May 30. Here's all you need to know - view our guide.

Inspired by the third women's Major of the season? Why not come and watch the best players in the world at the AIG Women's Open this summer at St Andrews. Ticket prices start from £20.