Kupcho heads to Augusta National with 1-shot lead

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — NCAA champion Jennifer Kupcho held on for a 1-under 71 on Thursday for a one-shot lead in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, leaving her one round away from a chance to become the first woman to win a tournament at the home of the Masters.

Seo-yun Kwon of South Korea is 10 shots behind and feels just as good. Kwon chipped in for eagle on her final hole at Champions Retreat to get into an 11-way playoff among 10 players to make the cut at 30 players. She advanced with a par on the first extra hole.

The final round is Saturday at Augusta National, the club’s first competition for women.

Ainhoa Olarra of Spain earned the final spot by making a 25-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole.