Corpuz closed with a three-under-par 69 to finish at nine-under on Sunday, three shots clear of England's Charley Hull (66) and Jiyai Shin (68) of South Korea.

Lee put up an admirable title defence without ever really threatening to claim a third career major, a result that was almost guaranteed when the West Australian bogeyed the par-2 2nd.

That bogey was followed by nine straight pars before the World No.6 signed for a final-round three-over-par 75 to finish at four-over, in a tie for 13th with six others, including fellow Australians Hannah Green and Grace Kim.

It was Lee's best major result of the year following a joint-41st at the Chevron Championship and equal-20th at the PGA Championship.

Green roared home with a 69, her best round of the week that included an eagle at the par-5 6th and four birdies.

Playing the 72nd hole at four-under for the day, the major winner bogeyed the par-5 to fall back into the group at four-over alongside Kim, who closed with a 71.

The Sydneysider's share of 13th her best result at a major championship after Kim was 14th at the KPMG Women's PGA two weeks ago.

After opening with a horror 78, then just making the halfway cut, Gabriela Ruffels (77) rounded out the Aussie contingent at eight-over-par for the tournament and a share of 33rd.

But the spoils – including a record winner's cheque of $3 million – went to 25-year-old Hawaiian Corpuz, who was the only player to break par all four days.

Corpuz became the first American in 20 years to make the U.S Women's Open her first LPGA title.

She pulled away with a lengthy par putt and back-to-back birdies on the back nine to enjoy the most scenic walk in golf up the 18th fairway, the Pacific Ocean on her left and her place secured as the first U.S Women's Open champion at Pebble Beach.

Corpuz was so calm and cool on the grandest stage in women's golf, until reality hit as she walked toward the 18th green with a three-shot lead in hand. She wiped away tears with her Aloha-print towel when it was over.

Nasa Hataoka (76) lost her one-shot lead on the opening hole when Corpuz hit her approach to five feet for birdie, and the 24-year-old from Japan dropped too many shots down the home stretch. She finished equal-fourth with American Bailey Tardy (73) at four-under.