Nelly Korda Heads Into 2026 U.S. Women’s Open as Favorite at Riviera Country Club

World No. 1 Nelly Korda arrived at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, as the clear favorite for the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open. The tournament marks the first time the historic PGA Tour venue will host the women’s major, and Korda’s recent record positions her as the most likely champion.

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Korda has competed in seven LPGA events this season, winning three (including the Chevron Championship) and finishing runner-up in three others. Her only finish outside the top two was a tie for eighth at the Kroger Queen City Championship. In 2025 she posted a T-2 finish at the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills, her best result at that major after three missed cuts and a single top-10 between 2020 and 2024.

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World No. 2 Jeonge Thitikul, who began 2022 at No. 1, holds 59 top-10 finishes and nine tour victories but has yet to secure a major title, with two missed cuts in four U.S. Women’s Open appearances. Other leading odds-makers include Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee, Hyo-joo Kim, Hannah Green, and Charley Hull. Rising talents such as Miyu Yamashita, Ruoning Yin, and Lottie Woad (No. 6) also feature prominently, reflecting a blend of veteran experience and youthful momentum.

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Riviera’s “sticky kikuya” grass produces firm, fast greens that reward precise spin and trajectory. The course’s canyon setting subjects players to variable ocean breezes that shift from morning to afternoon. Fairways narrow around the 275-yard mark, encouraging longer hitters while demanding strategic club selection. Players have noted that the course’s length and lower ball flight suit women’s games, making it a “second-shot” test, according to former LPGA star Michelle Wie West.

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Korda described her mindset as a “hunger for more” and emphasized comfort in her own skin, noting a clear process and structure for each round. She highlighted a rigorous daily routine—early wake-ups, practice, fitness, and treatment—sacrificing personal time to maintain competitive readiness. On the practice round she wore a U.S. men’s soccer jersey, explaining that representing her country is “a huge honor” and aligning the gesture with the upcoming World Cup.

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While media coverage frequently positions Korda as the face of women’s golf, she has downplayed that label, stating that the perception does not reflect her personal view. Some observers argue that the focus on a single player may overlook the depth of talent across the LPGA field.

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• “It was just like, there's no better place to be in than in the hunt on a back nine on Sunday at a major championship, especially at the Women's Open.” — Nelly Korda, World No. 1

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• “I think I'm just a lot more comfortable in my skin. I know what I want to do when I come out,” — Nelly Korda, World No. 1

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• “Every day is going to be a different game plan.” — Nelly Korda, World No. 1

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• “It's truly a second-shot golf course,” — Michelle Wie West, Former LPGA Tour player

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• “I think up-and-down are the biggest challenges for me [at majors] because I know I hit lots of greens when I was young and I'm not really chipping,” — Jeonge Thitikul, World No. 2

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• “It's amazing. That's why I'm wearing red, white, and blue today. Yeah, getting to represent my country is always such a huge honor,” — Nelly Korda, World No. 1

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Korda will aim to become the third American woman since 2000 to capture four major titles, while the Solheim Cup roster—on which she is a confirmed member—offers another platform for national representation later this year. The outcome at Riviera will shape the narrative of the 2026 LPGA season and set the stage for upcoming international competitions.

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