Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jun 8
Nelly Korda Wins First U.S. Women's Open, Sealing 4th 2026 Victory at Riviera
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jun 8

Nelly Korda Wins First U.S. Women's Open, Sealing 4th 2026 Victory at Riviera

3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jun 8

Summary

  • Nelly Korda closed at 8-under 276 to win her first U.S. Women's Open, draining a birdie on 17 and surviving a nervy 2-foot-10 par putt on 18.
  • The 27-year-old world No. 1 earned $2.5 million after rallying from an opening 74 with back-to-back 67s and a final-round 69 for her fourth win in eight starts this season.
  • Korda prevailed by one shot over Charley Hull and Gaby Lopez after all four leaders, including In Gee Chun, were tied at 7 under on the back nine.
  • Her short game carried the title run: Korda hit fewer greens than any U.S. Women's Open winner in 20 years but still saved par 24 times in 30 chances.
  • The victory gave Korda a fourth career major, made her the youngest American with four since 1960, and the first American to win back-to-back majors since 1999.

Insights

Can Nelly Korda’s dominant 2026 season lead to a historic third major championship win?
How did the $2.5 million prize affect the mental pressure on Korda’s final, perilous putt?
Was Korda’s victory a masterclass in mental strategy or the result of superior physical skill?