March 04-07
Golden Ocala Golf Club, Ocala, Florida
$1,500,000
Round 1, Round 2, Round 3

Austin Ernst closed with a 2-under 70 to win her third LPGA Tour title at the Drive On Championship on Sunday, her second title in six months following the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.

"I think it's just really cool to be in the heat of it all week and to be able to perform the way I did," said Ernst. "To hit the shots I hit, and to shoot the scores I shot, I think it's just kind of testament to me, that I can do this week in and week out and just if I have a little belief myself kind of what I can do."

Ernst, who missed the cut in the Gainbridge LPGA last week, gives the US its third consecutive victory to open a season, following sisters Jessica and Nelly Korda, the first time it has happened since 2007.

"I think the difference this week even just the last week was I just fully committed to believing in what I do and that it's good enough," said Ernst.

"I think this week proved that it's more than good enough. It was fun to walk up and know that I was going to win. I haven't had that yet, so that was fun."

Five shots behind in second place is Jennifer Kupcho, co-leader with Ernst in the first two rounds. She produced three bogeys and a double bogey on Sunday for a 74.

"I set myself up after 12 to be able to make a little bit of a move," said Kupcho. "I just missed a pretty easy up-and-down, honestly, on 13, and obviously missed the putt on 14. But I didn't really think it was over until I hit the tee shot on 15. Everyone hits bad shots. It's just unfortunate that's when mine came for the week."

Jenny Coleman completed the trio of Americans at the top of the leaderboard after closing with a 71 to finish at 8-under.

"It helps boost my confidence and know I have the game to be out here and I deserve to be out here," said Coleman.

Jessica Korda closed with a 71 to tie for eighth at 4-under. Nelly Korda closed with a 75 to finish in a tie for 28th at even par.