Full Breakdown
2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club
6/5/2026, 2:11:11 PM
Riviera Hosts First Women’s Major
The 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, the 81st edition, is being played at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. This is the first women’s major at a venue that previously hosted the PGA Genesis Invitational and men’s majors (U.S. Open 1948, PGA Championship 1983, 1995). Organizers cite the historic course and primetime TV as a unique showcase.
Key Players and Support Teams
World No. 1 Nelly Korda entered as the favorite after three wins, including the Chevron Championship. The field includes former champion Jeeno Thitikul (world No. 2), defending champion Maja Stark, and past U.S. Women’s Open winner Miyu Yamashita. Sixteen-year-old Sofia Rivera, the Varsity 4 All-News4JAX Girls Golfer of the Year, qualified via a regional qualifier and became the youngest Northeast Florida golfer in the championship; her uncle, two-time PGA Tour winner Russell Knox, caddied for her. Seven-month-pregnant Madelene Sagstrom played her first round while managing Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Field Size, Rankings, and Prize
Sources list either a 155-player field (News4Jax) or a 156-player field (NBC). The top five ranked entrants are Korda (#1), Thitikul (#2), Ruoning Yin (#3), Hyo-joo Kim (#4) and Hannah Green (#5). The tournament offers a $12 million purse, the largest in women’s golf.
Impact and Broadcast
The event expands the geographic and historic reach of women’s majors and is broadcast on NBC, Peacock, the USGA App, USWomensOpen.com and other streaming services. Daily “Rolex Hour” coverage highlights the course and the players.
Organizers and Broadcasters' Statements
NBC’s analysts called the pairing of Riviera and the top women players a “match made in heaven,” noting the venue’s historic status and primetime audience. The USGA’s multi-platform plan aims to provide comprehensive coverage from the first tee through the final round.
Player Conditions and Course
Rivera said she must adjust to Riviera’s grass, which differs from Florida courses, but feels she belongs among the elite. Sagstrom reported reduced swing and ball speed due to pregnancy-related posture changes. Club superintendent Marshall Dick noted the fairways use Kikuya grass, a rare species, while the greens are Poa annua.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being in California all the way across the country is just amazing,” — Sofia Rivera, Amateur
- “A superpower I have,” — Sofia Rivera on uncle Russell Knox’s caddying
- “Why today? Why not tomorrow?” — Madelene Sagstrom, Player
- “Riviera and the top women players in the game is hopefully going to be a match made in heaven,” — Cara Banks, NBC Analyst
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The field size is reported as 155 players by News4Jax and 156 players by NBC, indicating a discrepancy in the official entry count. No clarification appears in the available sources.
