The 24-year-old and South Korea's Chella Choi were tied for the lead on 10-under-par heading into the final round.

The American pulled clear of the chasing pack after scoring four successive birdies on the back nine today.

However, a bogey on the 17th saw her fall level with Canadian defending champion Brooke Henderson on 12-under.

The double US Women's Amateur champion went on to clinch the title though after sinking a birdie on the 18th to win by one with an overall score of 13-under.

Kang's previous best finish in a major was a tie for 14th in the 2012 US Open.

“The three-putt on number 10 was the turning point for me,” Kang said.

“I said I’m going to learn from that and then I made four birdies in a row.

“Having a major championship in my resume, I don’t know what it will do.

“But I do know that having the US Amateur as majors, and having a major win, it’s amazing.”

Henderson finished in second on 12-under while Choi took third two shots back after an even-par final round.

South Korean trio Mi Hyang Lee, Amy Yang and Sei Young Kim were all tied for fourth at nine-under with compatriot Inbee Park and American Lexi Thompson another two strokes back on seven-under.

World number one So Yeon Ryu of South Korea shot a 72 in the final round to finish tied for 14th on four-under.