PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — Nelly Korda captured her first U.S. Women’s Open title on Sunday, delivering a clutch birdie on the 17th hole and a nervy par save on the final green to edge out challengers and secure a one-stroke victory at Riviera Country Club.
The world No. 1 finished at 8-under 276 after a final-round 69, holding off England’s Charley Hull and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez, who both posted 7-under totals of 277. South Korea’s Chun In-Gee finished alone in fourth at 6-under 278.
Korda’s victory marks her fourth major championship and second of 2026, following her win at the Chevron Championship in April. The 27-year-old American has now firmly established herself as the dominant force in women’s golf, adding the prestigious U.S. Open to her growing list of accomplishments.
“This week was definitely a grind,” Korda said afterward. “I don’t even feel like I had my B game. I was just grinding out there. And that’s what I guess major championships are all about, right? It doesn’t matter if you have your B or C game, you have to be there mentally. I think I just did a really good job of staying patient and making those up and downs and then knowing that when I had that little window I was going to be aggressive.”
The final round at Riviera, which will host golf at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, unfolded under windy conditions that tested even the strongest players. Korda started the day tied for the lead but faced repeated pressure as Hull, Lopez and Chun mounted challenges.
Korda appeared to seize control with a nine-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, moving one stroke clear. On the 18th, her par putt from just inside three feet circled the cup before dropping, sealing the victory in dramatic fashion.
“I feel like I’m in a dream. I just can’t even explain how much this means to me,” a tearful Korda said at the trophy presentation.
Hull mounted a strong charge, firing a 4-under 67 that included an eagle on the first hole and several key birdies. She birdied the 17th to stay within one but ultimately finished as runner-up for the fifth time in a major championship.
“It’s just frustrating,” Hull said. “It’s pretty annoying, but I played really well the last day.”
Lopez signed for a 3-under 68 to share second place, while Chun, the 2015 U.S. Women’s Open champion, posted a 1-under 70 after squandering an earlier lead with late bogeys.
Korda’s path to victory was far from straightforward. She has described her relationship with the U.S. Women’s Open as “complicated,” having missed the cut more often here than at any other major. This year, she opened with a 2-over 73 but steadily improved, positioning herself for contention entering the weekend.
Her mental resilience shone through on Sunday. Despite not having her best ball-striking, Korda scrambled effectively and capitalized on key opportunities. The win further cements her status as the LPGA’s premier player and adds to an already impressive resume that includes multiple LPGA Tour victories and Olympic experience.
The victory also highlights the depth of the women’s game. Hull and Lopez pushed Korda to the limit, demonstrating the competitive balance at the top of the LPGA. Chun’s experience as a former champion kept her in the mix until late mistakes.
Riviera Country Club, traditionally a PGA Tour venue, proved a stern test for the women’s field. Its tight fairways, strategic bunkering and challenging greens rewarded precision and course management over raw power. The Pacific Palisades layout, with its ocean breezes and dramatic elevation changes, created classic major championship drama.
Korda’s season has been one of consistency and excellence. Her Chevron Championship win in April marked a strong start, and this U.S. Open triumph reinforces her as the player to beat in every event she enters. Her ability to win on different courses and under varying conditions underscores her all-around game.
For the LPGA, Korda’s success brings valuable mainstream attention. Her poised demeanor and competitive excellence make her an ideal ambassador for the tour as it continues growing its global footprint.
Looking ahead, Korda will be a heavy favorite at upcoming majors, including the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Evian Championship. Her growing major tally puts her on a trajectory that could see her challenge some of the all-time greats in women’s golf.
The final round also showcased the depth of international talent. Players from England, Mexico, South Korea and elsewhere competed at the highest level, reflecting the LPGA’s diverse and global nature.
As Korda celebrated with family and her caddie, the moment represented years of hard work and dedication. Her ability to stay patient through a difficult week and deliver when it mattered most exemplified the mental toughness required at the highest level of the game.
The U.S. Women’s Open, one of golf’s most prestigious championships, once again delivered compelling drama and a worthy champion. Korda’s victory at Riviera will be remembered as a signature moment in her career and a highlight of the 2026 LPGA season.
For Hull, the runner-up finish adds to a growing list of near-misses in majors, yet her strong play suggests she remains a major threat in future events. Lopez’s performance further cements her as a consistent contender on the biggest stages.
As the LPGA moves forward, Korda’s dominance sets a high bar. Her combination of skill, composure and marketability strengthens the tour’s appeal to new audiences and sponsors alike.
The victory also carries personal significance for Korda, who has spoken openly about the challenges of performing at an elite level while managing expectations. This win at one of golf’s toughest tests validates her approach and cements her place among the game’s current greats.
With the golf world now turning its attention to the next major, all eyes will remain on Korda as she seeks to build on this momentum. For now, she can savor a hard-earned victory at Riviera that adds another chapter to her remarkable career.
